Adolf Kaure
The National Planning Commission director general Kaire Mbuende said that quality healthcare is a foundation to human development, productivity, and inclusive growth.
Mbuende made these remarks during the recent inaugural meeting of the presidential task force on health held in Windhoek.
The health task force was established by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on 1 December to build a stronger, more responsive health system guided by national evidence and past reviews. The selection of the task force was carefully based on the integrity, vast experience and expertise of the members in health. The task force is a critical mechanism to advance Namibia’s national aspiration of a healthier and more resilient population, in line with Vision 2030, the SWAPO Manifesto Implementation Plan 2025– 2030, and the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6).
“NDP6 sets a clear target: by 2030, the proportion of the population with access to quality health care— covering promotion, prevention, curative, and rehabilitative services—must increase from 3% to75%. Achieving this target requires a coordinated, multisectoral, public– private effort, which is precisely the mandate of this Presidential Task Force,” said Mbuende.
NDP6 identifies key strategies necessary to improve health outcomes, including ensuring equitable access to healthcare services, improving overall health outcomes, expanding health infrastructure and equipment, and digitalising the health information system.
Among these, ensuring equitable access has been identified as the national game changer—a strategic lever to unlock rapid and measurable improvements in health outcomes. “You are tasked with providing practical, innovative, and actionable recommendations to strengthen our health system—across human resources, infrastructure, manufacturing, digital transformation, specialised care, and public–private coordination,” he said.
“Your outputs, including the Improvement Action Plan and the comprehensive report to be submitted to the president by March 2026, will shape Namibia’s health investment trajectory for the coming decade,” he added.
Mbuende implored all members to approach their responsibility with urgency, clarity, and commitment.
“The nation looks to this task force to help deliver a health system where every Namibian regardless of geography or incomen can access quality healthcare without financial hardship,” he said.
“Your expertise and collaborative spirit will be essential in ensuring that the promised gains under NDP6 are realised and that health becomes a catalyst for economic competitiveness and social protection,” said Mbuende. The task force will be supported by the secretariat with coordination. While, working groups will drive specialised areas— primary healthcare, digital transformation, specialised care, medical tourism, and manufacturing.
He further urged the members of the task force to share information openly, engage constructively, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism throughout the task force’s term.
“Let us proceed with a shared sense of mission: To strengthen Namibia’s health system and secure a healthier future for all citizens. I am confident that through your collective efforts, we will meet and exceed the targets set before us,” he said.
The Presidential task force on health is made up of seventeen members. They are Dr. Linda Nangombe, Dr. Tshali Iithete, Dr. Christo Burger, Dr. John Keiseb, Dr. Anna Hangula, Dr. Melody Lyn Chipeio, Mr. Nian Berg, Dr. Theo-Ben Kandetu, Dr. Edward Fynn, Immanuel Kadhila, Rian Horn, Hannelie Botha, Dr. Monika Pendukeni, Dr. Jacobus Angara Sheehama, Patricia Hangala, Annemi Higgs and Dr. Fenny Shidhika.
The other two task forces established by the President are for economic recovery as well as housing and land.
-akaure@nepc.com.na