During the reporting period, the food security of 26,868 individuals was enhanced, safeguarding them against malnutrition during a prolonged lean season, through the provision of cash-based modalities, such as value and commodity vouchers. This support also increased access to local markets, thereby stimulating economic activities and job creation in drought-affected areas, with a total of 143 local retailers and vendors participating in the voucher programme. Improved partner ships between larger wholesalers and small retailers to access credit, ensured the availability of essential nutritious foods. The programme also strengthened national digital systems, such as the Commodity Beneficiary Management Information System (CBMIS), empowering communities and reinforcing long-term resilience in food and nutrition security.

Support was provided to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MHSS) for the Social and Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC) media campaign and community engagement on prevention of mother-to child transmission (PMTCT) on national television and nine local radios, reaching 300,000 people. The campaign focused on male partner support, early infant diagnosis, and retesting of HIV-negative pregnant and breastfeeding women, contributing to improved feeding practices, and a reduction in malnutrition and child mortality cases. 

Additionally, support was provided for the finalisation and implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) guidelines, which were incorporated into in-service training sessions for healthcare workers (HCWs), with a total of 60 HCWs trained in the Kunene, Khomas and Omaheke regions. This training was designed to promote breastfeeding and ensure that hospitals provide an optimal environment for supporting breastfeeding mothers. Equipping HCWs with the necessary knowledge and skills increases breastfeeding rates, enhances neonatal health, and contributes to the overall well-being of mothers and infants. 

Support was provided to OPM to produce a Standardised Monitoring and Assessment of Relief and Transitions (SMART) survey report covering all 14 regions in Namibia. The results will enhance the understanding of the extent of malnutrition in the country and identify areas that require urgent attention.

In collaboration with other health development partners, the UN contributed to development of key strategic documents. This includes the sustainability roadmap for HIV, TB, Malaria and Hepatitis B, the National HIV Strategic Framework operational plan (2023/2024-2027/2028), SRH policy (2025 -2029) and the revision of the national antiretroviral therapy (ART) guidelines. Further support was provided on the generation of the 2024 HIV Estimates and Projections and facilitation of the final PMTCT Namibia Retesting, Early Infant Diagnosis, and Viral Load Monitoring (NamREV) statistics. Following a two-year collaborative project, a Quality Improvement (QI) learning session was also conducted at 40 high-volume sites across the country. These efforts collectively enhanced the effectiveness and sustainability of the health system in combating these diseases and providing quality services.

The UN supported MHSS to conduct a U-Report survey among 972 adolescents and young women aged 15-30 on their understanding of the Human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) in preparation for its deployment in 2025. The survey results showed 62% of participants had no knowledge of HPV, and 36% would not take the vac cine or were not sure if they would take the vac cine. The HPV introduction plan was updated to ensure the effective rollout of this important vaccine, the results of which will inform the development of ongoing risk communication and a community engagement strategy, towards improved HPV vaccine uptake.

Through its technical support, evidence generation, and advocacy, the UN enhanced the capacity of key national stakeholders, sector ministries, and Parliament to plan, budget, and manage social services effectively. The UN supported government reforms in health procurement, resulting in N$135 million in savings, which were reinvested to increase access to, and improve the quality of healthcare for Namibians, particularly for children. Once fully implemented, these reforms are expected to generate over N$3 billion in savings over the next three years, contributing to the government’s objective of achieving UHC.

Over 11,000 children from seven poorly per forming regions were immunised, contributing to the improvement in overall coverage of Pen ta 1, MR1 and MR2 to 76%, 80.4% and 67,6%, respectively. This was achieved through com munity engagement dialogues, sensitising over 756 Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) stakeholders in 43 constituencies, including caregivers of children, local leaders, influencers, and health workers. Support and response for regions with measles outbreak in 2024, resulted in increased surveil lance and active disease search, which helped contain reported and suspected outbreaks in a timely manner. The capacity of the health system to provide quality services and respond to emergencies has been strengthened. Key results include improvements in the availability of essential medicines and equipment, the completion of the End Term Review of the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) National Action Plan (NAP), and the development of Terms of Reference for AMR Governance. Additionally, the Tripartite AMR Country Self-Assessment Survey (TrACSS) was completed, providing a comprehensive assessment of the country’s AMR response capabilities. These initiatives have improved oversight, coordination, and the overall effectiveness of the health system in addressing AMR challenges.

To improve reproductive health services in the Zambezi, Ohangwena, and Kunene regions, 1,405 items of medical equipment and supplies, including a mobile van clinic, were procured, and handed over to MHSS to enhance access to healthcare services in remote areas. These resources will improve the quality of re productive health services and outcomes in these regions. Furthermore, 83 dossiers were assessed, and 21 pre-qualified essential medicines were registered, ensuring the availability of high-quality medicines for the population. In terms of health emergencies preparedness and response, a National Multi-Hazard Health Emergencies Preparedness and Response Plan was developed. This plan outlines the strategies and actions re quired to effectively respond to various health emergencies. To ensure widespread dissemination and implementation, 150 copies of the plan were print ed and distributed to stakeholders. Additionally, the Strategic Tool for Assessing Risk (STAR) report was developed, providing insights and recommendations for strengthening the country’s health emergency response capabilities.

The UN played a key role in strengthening Namibia’s Home-Grown School Feeding Program (HGSFP) through targeted research, advocacy, capacity building, and technological integration, enhancing the effectiveness of the programme. The HGSFP improved educational outcomes, academic performance, and school retention for 11,412 (5,671 female, 5,741 male) vulnerable children by addressing their nutritional needs at the school level. Additionally, the UN’s advocacy efforts contributed to policy alignment, and secured support for scaling up HGSFP across more schools and ECD centres in the period 2025 to 2029. The UN supported various capacity-building interventions, equipping 580 pre- and in-service teachers with the knowledge and skills to effectively deliver life skills-based HIV education and Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in the Khomas, Ohangwena, Zambezi and Erongo regions. This capacity building enabled life skills teachers to provide accurate, age-appropriate, inclusive sexuality education, fostering informed decision-making, healthy behaviours, and a supportive school environment for adolescents and youth. The UN also empowered over 2,335 adolescents and youth, including those with disabilities, to actively participate in the review of the gender and SRH policies, ensuring that barriers to education such as gender in equality and harmful cultural practices are addressed, and access to SRH services are improved. Further support was provided to MHSS in rolling out the Adolescent and Young People Meaningful Engagement Toolkit across four regions, fostering meaningful youth participation in service delivery and decision-making.

Through the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Transformation in Education and Giga projects the UN strengthened the capacity of the education system and improved access to education. Key milestones included the finalisation of the Namibia ICT in Education policy, the mapping of ICT infrastructure in schools, and the development of digital content, all of which made the education system more resilient and responsive to changes that challenge traditional methods. The UN’s support also enhanced the capacity of School Health Task Forces in five regions (Ohangwena, Oshikoto, //Kharas, Hardap, and Otjozondjupa), contributing to healthier, safer, and more conducive learning environments for 299,020 learners, including 150,931 girls. Additionally, the Upskilling Programme of the Ministry of Sports, Youth, and National Service (MSYNS) was strengthened through the capacity building of 20 young professionals, improving their ability to educate and support young girls in critical areas. In collaboration with the Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust (NaDEET), the UN enhanced the coordination, implementation, and monitoring of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Environmental Education (EE) initiatives. This resulted in the development of a strategic plan and annual work plan for the Namibian Environmental Education Network (NEEN), providing a structured framework to advance ESD across the country.

Data tracking and decision-making for school feeding programs was enhanced through the development and implementation of the National School Feeding Information System (NaSIS). This system was established in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture (MoEAC) and the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare (MGEPESW), ensuring better data management and programme oversight. In collaboration with MoEAC and MHSS, the Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS) was con ducted. This survey assessed the health and well-be ing of adolescents aged 13 to 17 in educational set tings, providing more information on the needs of this vulnerable population. Furthermore, the UN strengthened the capacity of the Education Management Information System (EMIS) Division, ensuring timely and high-quality data release for national, regional, and school-level planning and budgeting. The introduction of the OpenEMIS system improved data accuracy, accessibility, and transparency, particularly in handling examination data. This enhancement has resulted in the timely release of nation al examination results, enabling students to apply for further education. By expanding the scope of the EMIS project, UN support enhanced the capacity of GRN to plan, engage in policy development, and assess operational needs across Namibia. Namibia achieved a major milestone by producing re cent and reliable data on child nutrition and maternal practices through the SMART Survey. Results of the survey informed targeted interventions and resource allocation for emergency nutrition responses, particularly addressing issues such as stunting and child malnutrition.

The UN played a key role in reducing barriers to the broader participation of children and young people in decision-making, both in and out of school. This was exemplified by the UN-supported Children’s Parliament session focused on the Year of Education. During this session, 64 adolescent and children parliamentarians, including 6 children with disabilities, passed a communiqué with 33 motions for consideration. One of the key motions is to ensure that all schools in Namibia are accessible to children with disabilities, advocating for more inclusive education. The platform provided through the Children’s Parlia ment further enhanced the participation of children with disabilities, enabling them to advocate for their educational rights and contribute to decision-making processes. 

The UN supported the establishment of the National Gender-Based Violence Information Management System (GBVIMS), to ensure the availability of national gen der-based violence (GBV) data. Additionally, officials from the GBV and Protection Units of the Namibian Police (NAMPOL) were capacitated on the operation of the system. The system was piloted in Windhoek, Gobabis, and Rehoboth, enabling NAMPOL to identify and resolve operational bottlenecks in the GB database. The UN supported the review of sexual harassment policies at UNAM and the International University of Management (IUM) through active engagement of institutional leadership in health and well-being pro grams, resulting in better utilisation of reporting mechanisms, inclusive improvements, and safer campus environments.

Additionally, UN supported the establishment of specialized Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OC SEA) unit that is connected to National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) supporting Namibia with supporting victims of online and offline abuse.

The HIV and AIDS policy of the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) is nearing final approval, expected in early 2025. The project’s focus on involving young people in policy reviews has increased awareness and use of reporting mechanisms, contributing to safer campuses. Additionally, partnerships with organisations like Namibia Planned Parenthood Association (NAPPA) and BeFree have expanded access to SRH services, even on campuses without on-site clinics. 

Three health workers from IUM and NUST, and 343 peer educators (60% female, 40% male), received training to deliver youth-friendly services, transforming campus health facilities into youth-friendly spaces and increasing SRH service usage. As a result, more students accessed SRH services, including regular check ups and screenings, making it easier for students to seek help from their peers. In addition, a standardised counselling training manual, including a pocket guide, was developed, and distributed and will be used for training from 2025.

Thirty change agents (16 female and 14 male) in the f isheries sector were trained on the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190) (C190), raising awareness and promoting social dialogue among stakeholders in the fisheries industry to ad dress GBV and discrimination. This was comple mented by the training of 29 trade union leaders and employer representatives on freedom of as sociation, and the right to collective bargaining to strengthen dialogue and advocacy for decent work. The increased capacities in the sector resulted in the conducting of the 3rd Joint Inspection by MLIREC labour inspectors, MFMR fisheries inspectors, and maritime surveyors from the Ministry of Works and Transport (MWT) onboard fishing vessels and factories.

Namibia, with committed national leadership and UN support, is transforming maternal and child health by eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and hepatitis B. This uplifting story showcases how timely interventions, strong community engagement, and integrated health services are driving a remarkable decline in new infections, ensuring nearly all babies born to mothers living with HIV are HIV-free. By highlighting the experiences of women such as Aazehe Tjozongoro, who has seen her four children born free of the virus, this narrative underscores the profound impact of strategic policies, community based initiatives, and global partnerships in safeguarding the well-being of women and children across the country.

© UN Namibia

The Sanitary Pad-Making Initiative at Osire Refugee Settlement is reshaping the lives of women who once struggled to meet their basic needs. This story shows how training and partnerships—under the “Leaving No One Behind (LNOB) – Building Back Better from COVID-19” project, led by the UN and local allies—are fostering new skills, generating income, and enhancing the dignity of refugee women. Through producing sustainable pads, participants like Noela, Esther, and Rebecca are not only improving menstrual hygiene in Click or scan to know more their community but also finding renewed hope and self-reliance.

UN cash-based interventions offer a lifeline to refugees in Namibia, enabling them to cope with severe drought, fund critical needs like school fees, and invest in sustainable livelihood opportunities. This story of change highlights how targeted assistance not only strengthens food security but also fosters self-reliance and community resilience, all while advancing the principle of leaving no one behind.