Iuze Mukube Managing mental health issues is difficult enough, but dealing with them during pregnancy has a significant influence on both the mother’s and child’s wellbeing. It is, therefore, critical to treat maternal mental health issues as soon as possible. Oftentimes, these issues, which can range from extreme anxiety to post-partum depression, go undetected but...
Namibia is one of the countries in Africa with the highest suicide incidences. Last month, the Namibian Police revealed that 542 cases of suicide were recorded for the 2023/2024 financial year. Of this figure, 449 were men, 80 women, eight boys and five girls. The youngest suicide victim was five years old, while the oldest...
Dr David N Emvula In recent months, a troubling trend has emerged at our Windhoek state hospitals. Teenage pregnancies are on the rise, igniting a wave of concern among healthcare workers. This increase has prompted calls for a renewed focus on prevention, education and support systems. A growing issue Data from the United Nations Population...
In 2019, Alina Kadhila ran to her human resources (HR) officer to resign for no reason. She was hysterical, as she was going through an episode. The mental health advocate and service user remembers being grateful that she was in the HR’s office, where she was protected and looked after as she was experiencing this...
The Nursing Council of Namibia has decided to regulate the intake of prospective students at nursing and midwifery institutions in the country. This is because the council has surpassed the capacities of the approved training hospitals and health facilities. The council said the situation has negatively affected the quality of nursing and midwifery in Namibia....
Ambrosius Haoseb, a committed advocate for mental health residing in Dolam in Windhoek, is focused on promoting the significance of regular medication adherence for those experiencing mental health difficulties. He asserts that following prescribed treatment regimens can significantly improve daily functioning, and enable individuals to achieve their aspirations. In a recent interview with Vital Signs,...
October is World Mental Health Month. The United Nations (UN) believes our mental health is important enough to dedicate a whole month to it. The moment you mention mental health, people feel uneasy, or have preconceived misconceptions. The UN wants to combat this, and sees it as an opportunity to have conversations about mental health. ...
Iuze Mukube Attempting to get healthcare while battling an illness can be a tedious exercise for many, especially those in remote areas. This may become a thing of the past, as computer scientist Jessé Liula Schiceya has created a telemedicine platform that enables patients to get treatment via digital technology in the comfort of their...
Eveline de Klerk Paheja Siririka WALVIS BAY – Oral health goes beyond just having a beautiful smile, as it encompasses the prevention, early detection and treatment of oral diseases, which can impact not only one’s physical health, but also their emotional and psychological well-being. To create awareness of oral health, the Erongo region is participating...
“The first thing I thought of doing was to commit suicide. I saw that as the only option to escape the pain of having my HIV status exposed.” These are the words of 28-year-old Dessy (not her real name), who hit rock bottom when someone she trusted revealed her HIV status to her community during...