Namibia is set to strengthen mental health services through increased funding, expanded treatment facilities and the training of more psychiatric specialists, following six national commitments signed by the Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Esperance Luvindao, in Windhoek on Saturday.
The commitments were announced during the commemoration of World Mental Health Day.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) says the commitments are aimed at turning mental health policies into practical improvements for people who struggle to access care.
Namibia currently has only two mental health facilities and four Namibian psychiatrists, highlighting the need to expand services and strengthen the specialist workforce.
The commitments include increasing mental health funding by at least 4% annually from the 2027/2028 financial year, as well as directing at least 10% of revenue generated from private patients at state facilities towards mental health services.
"10% of private patient revenue for mental health, not less than 10% of all revenue generated from private fee-paying patients using state health facilities will be attributed and directed directly to mental health within the Ministry's approved budget. These funds will support mental health units, services, medicines, and workforce development, as well as community-based care."
The ministry also aims to have at least five mental health units operational nationwide by March 2037, while requiring mental health units to be incorporated into the designs of newly built hospitals at the district level and above.
Other measures include sending three doctors annually for psychiatric specialisation and strengthening education programmes to combat stigma and protect the rights and dignity of people living with mental health conditions.
To ensure accountability, the ministry's Executive Director, Penda Ithindi, is expected to establish an implementation team within 30 days of the commitments being signed and submit a costed implementation plan within 90 days.
The ministry says the commitments are intended to improve access to mental health care and ensure that the promises made translate into meaningful support for Namibians.