Namibia Roundup: HIV-free births, sex for grades, AstraZeneca side effects

Namibia achieves 99% HIV-free births

Namibia achieved a 99% HIV-free birth rate for babies born to HIV-positive mothers in 2023. The country was recognised by the World Health Organisation for its progress in eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and hepatitis B. Namibia has also received recognition for its efforts to meet UNAIDS fast-track targets. According to The Namibian, the country aims to achieve an MTCT rate of less than 2% by 2028 and has implemented a government-funded program to prevent HIV transmission from mother to child. The health minister also discussed the launch of an Africa Health Workforce Investment Charter at a recent summit, which aims to address challenges related to the health workforce in Africa.

Water supply to Namibian capital threatened

Water levels at the Von Bach Dam in Namibia are critically low, threatening the water supply of the capital city, Windhoek. As reported by Xinhua, the reservoir is at only 11.3% of its capacity, and officials warn that it could dry out entirely by the beginning of 2025. This situation highlights the urgent need for sustainable water management practices and the vulnerability of Namibia's water resources in the face of climate change.

No side effects of AstraZeneca vaccine recorded

Namibia Ministry of Health assures no side effects from AstraZeneca vaccine. The vaccine was discontinued due to new coronavirus variants and a decline in demand. No adverse effects have been recorded, and those who received the vaccine should not worry. AstraZeneca estimates the vaccine saved over 6.5 million lives and is no longer being manufactured. If feeling unwell, individuals are advised to seek medical assessment, adds The Namibian.

Lecturer investigated over sex for grades

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) is investigating a senior lecturer for sexual harassment after students reported the incident to the university's HR office. The lecturer was allegedly seen being escorted from campus by security guards carrying a mattress. Reports from The Namibian indicate that the university has confirmed ongoing investigations into the matter, and the Students' Union of Namibia president has called for tougher policies to protect students from such incidents. Students’ Union of Namibia (SUN) president Benhard Kavau says relationships between students and lecturers compromise the quality of education. “It is not allowed for a lecturer to have a relationship with a student. It comes with self-respect, because the moment a lecturer has such relationships, it is a conflict of interest because it compromises the quality of education. How do we then trust that student A is performing well and student B is not performing well if there is a conflict of interest? So, in most cases students will be disadvantaged,” he says. Kavau says Nust must toughen up its policies so that students are protected against such incidents.

Namibia to open hydrogen production plant

Namibia is set to open a hydrogen production plant this year as part of a joint venture between Cleanergy Solutions Namibia and the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group. The facility will use solar energy to produce green hydrogen for use in small ships, port equipment, trucks, and railway applications. Additionally, the venture aims to position the Port of Walvis Bay as a low-carbon logistics supply chain and plans to launch the first hydrogen-powered ship in Africa. A 'Hydrogen Academy' will also be established onsite to upskill workers on hydrogen technology, Riviera reports. The hydrogen production plant is the first phase of a five-year plan to develop several projects, including ammonia bunkering, pipelines, and large-scale hydrogen and ammonia production.