Staff Reporter
IN an awareness video shared by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, the Child Care and Protection Act is designed to empower and protect children by ensuring access to essential health services and safeguarding their well-being. Children aged 14 and older in Namibia have the legal right to consent to certain medical treatments if they understand the benefits and risks, even when parents refuse consent based on cultural or religious beliefs, the Ministry has explained.
According to the ministry, the Act allows a child who is 14 years or older and sufficiently mature to independently consent to medical treatment, provided they understand the potential benefits and risks involved. The law also permits children to access confidential medical counselling and advice without parental consent under certain circumstances.
Video: Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare
The ministry further clarified that the Act intervenes when parents, guardians or caregivers unreasonably refuse medical consent on religious, cultural or social grounds. Such refusal is not permitted unless a medically accepted alternative can be demonstrated.
To illustrate how the law applies in practice, the ministry shared a fictional scenario involving a 15-year-old girl whose parents attribute her illness to witchcraft and refuse to take her to a hospital. Despite her worsening health and declining school performance, the girl feels unable to challenge her parents’ beliefs.
In the scenario, a trusted teacher explains to the learner that the Child Care and Protection Act protects her right to participate in decisions affecting her health. The teacher also offers to engage the parents and, if necessary, accompany the learner to a health facility to ensure she receives appropriate medical care.
The ministry’s example highlights the importance of awareness and understanding of the law among children, parents and communities. It stressed that the Child Care and Protection Act gives children a voice in responsible decision-making while balancing parental involvement with the child’s best interests.
“Understanding the law helps us protect our children,” the ministry said, urging the public to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Act and to prioritise children’s health and well-being above harmful practices.
