Anatolia Norbet (22), a resident of Okahandja Park, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the
health outreach initiative.

She noted how meaningful it was to see the #BeFree Movement engaging directly with the community from the informal settlement. 

She shared that having essential services brought to their doorstep not only made access easier but also showed that their needs and voices truly matter. 

“It’s encouraging to see young people being prioritised and supported in this way,” Norbet said.

She added that the initiative gave her hope for a brighter, more inclusive future for the youth in her area.

Through the #BeFree Cares Clinic, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the Namibia Planned Parenthood Association and Walvis Bay Corridor Group, the #BeFree Movement hosted a large-scale health outreach event under the theme ‘Building Communities: Empower Through Health’ at Okahandja Park’s Akaduku football field.

The event brought essential healthcare services and youth empowerment programmes directly to one of Windhoek’s most underserved communities.

“When such services come to your community, it’s important to take advantage of the opportunity – not just for the healthcare, but also for the valuable health education being offered,” added Norbet.

Another resident, Cassie Issack (20), expressed excitement and appreciation for the initiative.

She noted that it was the first time such an event had taken place in her community. 

“I came to check on myself and see if I’m healthy,” she shared, beaming with enthusiasm.

The initiative forms part of the foundation’s broader vision to make health a right, not a privilege, and to create safe, inclusive spaces where community-led development can thrive.

Over 1 400 residents from Okahandja Park and surrounding areas attended the event. 

Over 500 accessed free health services, including health education, HIV testing and counselling, contraceptives, PrEP and PEP as well as psychosocial support. 

Community members also engaged with educational booths, youth-driven performances and family-friendly wellness activities.

Taimi Amaambo, the deputy executive director of the health ministry, said that accessible health services are essential for young people to unlock their full potential.

“When a young girl can access contraception, she can stay in school. When a young man knows his HIV status, he can plan his future. When mental health is prioritised, communities are more resilient, more productive and more hopeful,” she said.

She reflected on the urgency of addressing Namibia’s sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) realities, including the 8.2% HIV prevalence rate among youth aged 15-24, adolescent pregnancy and gaps in gender-based violence and mental health services. 

Amaambo said these statistics are not just numbers but lives.

Veronica Theron, director of health and wellness at the One Economy Foundation, said the event represents not just another outreach but the manifestation of a vision they have long held.

She added: “Health is not the absence of illness but the presence of well-being in every part of a person’s life. Our programming does not treat health in isolation. Through the #BeFree Cares Clinic and our psychosocial support services, we provide trauma-informed, youth-centred and stigma-free SRHR services that complement the national health system”. – psiririka@nepc.com.na