By: Loise Shiimi
Seventeen (17) health assistants in the Ohangwena Region are appealing to the Ministry of Health and Social Services for their reinstatement following the end of USAID funding, which resulted in their untimely retrenchment.
Selma Heita, a health assistant representing her colleagues, told Eagle FM about how they have served the Ohangwena Region through the Potentia organisation under the ministry for nearly a decade. She indicated that the abrupt termination of their contracts on 30 September this year has been disheartening for them.
“The ministry assured us that they would take over after the USAID funding ended. Yet here we are, jobless, and we want to be integrated into the ministry to continue our work benefitting Namibian citizens. As of now, the ministry has not communicated with us about the next steps,” she stated.
Regarding their contributions during their tenure, Heita indicated that they often worked overtime on a voluntary basis aiding with HIV/AIDS counselling and testing, partner testing, infant feeding guidance for mothers, adherence counselling for ARV treatment, and TB screening.
“We have played a critical role in the fight against HIV/AIDS, contributing to the region’s achievement of the 95/95/95 goal, which ensures that individuals adhere to their treatments. Many people in Ohangwena are now aware of their HIV status thanks to our efforts,” she explained.
She also expressed concern about their inability to support their families, referencing the policy that prohibited them from running businesses while fulfilling their health responsibilities, ultimately leaving them without any sources of income. “We want the government to reconsider our situation, as we play a vital role in our community,” she remarked.
Regarding their qualifications, Heita noted that not only are they experienced, but they also possess qualifications for rapid testing and their involvement in COVID-19 response and other emergency services requiring their expertise. “We remain willing and ready to work diligently if given the chance to reclaim our jobs,” she proclaimed.
Another health assistant, Lovisa Angula, echoed these sentiments, stressing her colleagues’ importance within the community and how their “necessary experience and skills” is integral for the betterment of patients.
Angula also expressed personal struggles,citing her inability to provide for her children and her mother. To this, she also called on the ministry to reinstate all of them.
When approached by Eagle FM for comment, Walters Kamaya, the ministry’s spokesperson, shared that he is aware of the situation indicating that the ministry had lost a number of employees who were on the payroll of their implementing partners (USAID). He mentioned efforts to compile accurate data and explore potential funding sources to facilitate their reintegration were underway.
The Trump administration halted funding for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in June of this year, which had previously supported many African countries, particularly in the health sector.
