By Surihe Gaomas WINDHOEK In light of emerging and re-emerging diseases in the country, the need for proper health services and adequate medical facilities is a growing challenge for the health sector. Last year, Namibia witnessed the fight against an outbreak of polio at a time when the country was on the verge of being declared polio-free by the World Health Organization (WHO). In addition to that, another health challenge erupted towards the end of last year beginning of this year when health surveillance was on high alert following the outbreak of diarrhoea diseases and cholera in neighbouring countries. Such acute diarrhoea cases also spilled over into Namibia’s northern regions. Furthermore, cases of tuberculosis (TB) and the HIV/Aids pandemic continues to remain health challenges that need collective remedial efforts to eliminate and to prevent such diseases in the first place. It is against this backdrop that the newly-inaugurated Fransfontein Clinic in the Khorixas district is seen as a step in the right direction to bring health services closer to the grassroots people. For a long time, Fransfontein has been operating in a worn-out building infrastructure as a clinic, not only creating an unconducive environment for patients but also for the medical staff. It was during current Deputy Prime Minister Dr Libertina Amathila’s time that the existing clinic and staff quarters were renovated. In 2003, a team from the Ministerial Permanent Committee on Patient Care and Infrastructure Management Committee visited the Khorixas District, but specifically the previously worn-out Fransfontein clinic. As a result of that visit, a request was forwarded to the Health Ministry for the renovation of this public property for the benefit of the community. Hence, on Monday of this week the current Health Minister, Dr Richard Kamwi, officially opened the newly renovated clinic and staff accommodation. Addressing the community, Dr Kamwi said the new clinic belongs to the community and should therefore not be seen as a Ministry of Health and Social Services property or a government clinic. “The community must take ownership of this clinic and safeguard the property to ensure it remains to serve the interests of the needy in this community and beyond,” said Dr Kamwi. It is only in this way that the community can benefit fully from the clinic that is initially there to serve their health needs. At the same time, Dr Kamwi informed the clinic staff that they “must see themselves as servants of the people and should work with courtesy and in the interest of the people”. The same attitude, however, also applies to the way community members treat staff members, that is with dignity and respect. Now with the new clinic in place, ministerial plans are also underway to look into the possibility of setting up a mortuary facility at Fransfontein in the near future.