Staff Reporter
THE Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Esperance Luvindao, has assured that her ministry is actively exploring strategies to address the gaps caused by the reduction in USAID funding.
She highlighted this in Parliament, where she was answering questions regarding the impact of the withdrawal of USAID funds on HIV/AIDS relief programmes.
The Minister revealed that the services currently affected to some extent by the cut in USAID funding include the provision of targeted HIV testing for key populations, and targeted prevention programmes for adolescents—services implemented by implementing partners.
“With respect to the Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) Safe-MoHSS project, 23 staff members’ contracts were terminated, including supporting services for technical assistance for both TB and HIV, as well as community support from NGOs that were supported directly by USAID. Although targeted services were provided by supporting implementing partners, the communities can still access the same services at public health facilities in their vicinity,” she continued.
Despite the challenges, the Minister assured that the Health Ministry will continue its responsibility of providing medication for all HIV and TB patients, as this is done through government funding.
“The Government of the Republic of Namibia funds the procurement of pharmaceuticals, including ARVs and TB medicines, through the budget allocated to the Ministry of Health and Social Services. The Government funds 100% of ARVs, while development cooperation partners provide backstopping when the need arises. The Ministry will continue with its responsibility by providing medicines to all HIV and TB patients through government funding,” she explained.
However, she acknowledged that additional funding may be necessary to retain staff previously supported by external funding sources.
To bridge the funding gap, Dr Luvindao said the Ministry is considering several strategies. These include strengthening partnerships with local stakeholders—such as community leaders, healthcare providers, and government agencies—to design and implement sustainable interventions.
She added that the Ministry is also intensifying advocacy efforts with national policymakers to prioritise funding for the healthcare workforce. She stressed the importance of legislative support to secure financial backing for the absorption of donor-supported staff and to maintain the provision of essential HIV and TB services.
Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the importance of public awareness and the role of the Sustainability Roadmap and locally funded social contracting as key strategies being pursued to ensure long-term resilience in healthcare service delivery.
