John Muyamba

RUNDU – Deputy education minister Faustina Caley said since Namibia is moving towards universal health coverage, there is a need to train more nurses for the programme to be more effective. This is because the programme aims to provide comprehensive health care at all levels of health delivery points. 

“For this programme to be effective, there is a need for adequate health care staff, including nurses, thus the importance of training more nurses in this regard. The current global shortage of nurses and midwives is more than 50%, and this shortage contributes to errors in health care as well as higher morbidity and mortality rates,” she said as a guest speaker during the recent graduation of 135 enrolled nurses at Alba Chipamba Training Centre at Rundu.

Caley further stated that the world is currently facing unprecedented challenges, and the role of nurses has never been more critical. 

“We all have seen the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on our healthcare systems, our communities and our patients. So, as you step into your roles as enrolled nurses, you must be prepared to face these challenges head-on and to adapt to the rapidly changing healthcare landscape,” she said.

The graduates were encouraged to put patients above everything else to provide them with the highest quality of care and advocate for their rights and well-being as well as to work collaboratively with their colleagues.

“You should stay informed and up-to-date with the latest research and best practices, and be willing to learn and grow as professionals,” said the deputy minister.

After accepting their first intake in 2020, Alba Chipamba Training Centre held their first graduation last year – and last week, the second graduation ceremony took place. Apart from Rundu, the centre also has campuses in Walvisbay and Oshikango.

Kavango East governor Bonifatius Wakudumo, whose speech was read on his behalf by Mukwe constituency councillor Damian Maghambayi, applauded the private nursing institution for their contribution to the health sector. 

“I would like to congratulate the team that came up with the idea to establish Alba Chipamba Training Centre in Kavango East. Your innovative abilities are paying off today. We are witnessing happy, young Namibians fulfilling their dreams,” he said.