Staff Reporter
THE Ministry of Health and the University of Namibia (UNAM) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the link between Namibia’s health system and the training of health professionals, clinical practice and research.
The ministry said the partnership seeks to ensure that health professionals are equipped with more than academic qualifications, preparing them for the practical realities of working in the country’s hospitals, health centres, clinics and communities. According to the ministry, the collaboration will strengthen clinical training and ensure that health education responds to the country’s needs.
“The lecture room must inform the hospital setting, and the hospital setting must inform the lecture room. This two-way feedback mechanism is critical to producing professionals and skills that are aligned with the needs of our health facilities and communities,” Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Esperance Luvindao, said.
The ministry added that the partnership would also promote home-grown research and innovation, with the aim of ensuring that evidence generated in Namibia informs health policies and programmes and contributes to practical solutions to local health challenges.
The UNAM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kenneth Matengu, stressed that the partnership is about more than qualifications.
“We don’t want to issue qualifications only; we want to look at all aspects of human health,” Matengu added.
Photo: Ministry of Health and Social Services-Namibia
