Namibia plans to strengthen mental health services by 2037 through increased funding, new hospital units and expanded specialist training, as the government moves to address a shortage of facilities and psychiatric professionals.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MHSS) has outlined six national commitments aimed at improving access to mental health care, protecting patients’ rights and bringing services closer to underserved communities.
The commitments follow the approval of the Mental Health Bill of 2025 by the National Assembly and National Council, marking progress towards strengthening Namibia’s legal framework for mental health care.
However, the success of the initiative will depend on whether the proposed measures translate into accessible treatment for people who currently struggle to obtain professional help. The ministry’s commitments highlight the reported shortage of mental health infrastructure and specialists, with only two mental health facilities and four psychiatrists available nationwide.
Under the plan, the ministry intends to increase its annual mental health budget allocation by at least 4% each financial year from 2027/28 to 2036/37. It also proposes allocating 10% of revenue generated from private patients using state health facilities towards mental health services. Infrastructure development forms another key component.
All newly built district hospitals and higher-level facilities must incorporate functional mental health units into their designs before receiving final design approval. The ministry further aims to have at least five new mental health units operational nationwide by 31 March 2037, prioritising underserved regions.
The units may be established through new construction, hospital expansions or the conversion of suitable existing space. The commitments emphasise that these facilities must provide appropriate mental health treatment and cannot simply serve as seclusion rooms.
The ministry has also pledged to strengthen awareness of patients’ rights, dignity and freedom from stigma through recurring education programmes targeting healthcare workers, public institutions and communities.
People with lived experience of mental health conditions are expected to be meaningfully involved. To address the shortage of specialists, the government intends to increase the number of doctors sent for psychiatric specialisation to three annually.
Implementation will be critical. Within 30 days of the commitments being signed, the ministry’s Executive Director must designate an official and implementation team. A costed implementation plan must follow within 90 days, with annual progress reports thereafter. Photo: Vice President of Namibia
By Rudi Bowe
