By: Loise Shiimi
Digital health encompasses a wide range of technologies, including mobile applications, electronic health records, telehealth, and artificial intelligence (AI), all aimed at enhancing health systems and improving individual well-being, noted the Minister of Health and Social Services, Esperance Luvindao.
Luvindao made these remarks during the launch of the National Digital Health Policy (2026-2036) in Windhoek last Friday. The launch has been described as the blueprint that will shape the next decade of digital innovations in healthcare delivery within the country.
She further noted that this initiative forms part of a global movement, guided by frameworks such as the World Health Organisation’s Global Strategy on Digital Health and the United Nations Global Digital Compact.
“Regionally, our Digital Health Policy aligns well with the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy and the Africa CDC’s Digital Transformation Strategy, positioning Namibia within a continental vision for technologically-driven healthcare,” she stated.
While acknowledging Namibia’s commendable progress in combating HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, and the introduction of systems like the District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2) in 2014, Luvindao expressed that persistent challenges continue to hinder progress towards greater digital transformation and universal health coverage.
“We face a dual burden of disease, with a rising prevalence of both communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that demand sustainable and integrated care. Inequities in access to health services persist, particularly in our rural communities, and are worsened by an unevenly distributed health workforce,” she inidcated.
Luvindao emphasised that this policy represents a strategic commitment, anchored in six measurable objectives designed to transform the health sector. These include improved governance, which establishes a transparent, accountable, and ethical governance framework aligned with national laws like the Data Protection Bill, ensuring responsible and secure digital health implementation.
“Other key objectives include integrated infrastructure, an empowered workforce, fostering innovation, equitable access, and sustainable financing, which aims to promote sustainable domestic financing for digital health innovations through domestic resource mobilisation, supported by public-private partnerships,” she stated.
Regarding the launch of this policy, she mentioned that it was developed through extensive consultations and will serve as the pathway for Namibia’s digital health transformation.
“It provides a robust framework for the drafting of Namibia’s Digital Health Bill. This proposed Bill will establish regulatory and legal frameworks to protect patient privacy, ensure data security, and govern digital health providers, thereby solidifying our commitment to a rights-based digital ecosystem,” noted Luvindao.
In her message to health workers, she acknowledged that digital transformation may seem challenging, but urged them to take ownership of this policy.
“We are developing this for you, to alleviate administrative bottlenecks and allow you to focus on what you do best: saving and improving lives. Engage with the upcoming training and provide your invaluable feedback. You are the frontline implementers, the critical enablers, and the ultimate beneficiaries of this transformation. Take pride in your roles as the architects of this new, digitally-empowered health system,” she urged.
Dr. Richard Banda, WHO Country Representative, remarked that this launch marks a significant step towards achieving universal health coverage while strengthening governance and data protection.
“It comes at a crucial time, shortly after the 2024 Summit of the Future, where Namibia played a key role as a co-lead facilitator on the UN Pact for the Future,” Banda said.
He further emphasised that digital health should transform how health systems serve communities, saying “We must ensure that digital health contributes to reducing inequalities rather than widening them.”
