Namibia

70% coverage for cervical cancer screening by 2030 has been set as goal by the Ministry of Health and Social Services

Changes to visa requirements for entering Namibia have been announced and will apply as of 1 April 2025; new rules are expected to streamline the entry process and improve security measures for international visitors

The Namibia Agronomic Board initiated awareness-raising sessions to promote investment in the fruit sector, with a focus on production and export by local farmers

A new bill to regulate the celebration of marriages and to address the validation and recognition of certain marriages has been presented by the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Security and Protection

A court has declared unconstitutional a law dating back to colonial times that criminalised same-sex relations between men; the Namibian government has 21 days to appeal the ruling but it is currently unclear whether it will do so

The importance of safeguarding the country's ocean resources, given that they contribute at least 10 billion Namibian dollars (about US$528 million) annually to the country's economy, was emphasised by President Mbumba calling for urgent action

The Tobacco Act will be amended to include rules on nicotine products used for vaping, according to plans by the Namibian Ministry of Health and Social Services

An ambitious project will use African bees to produce beer in the future, thanks to a partnership between Cardiff University and University of Namibia, Windhoek, after the presence of brewer's yeast was discovered in gut microbiome of Namibian killer bees

The country called for greater international cooperation and partnerships to tackle illicit financial flows during the launch of a new initiative to strengthen financial integrity and support sustainable development

Namibia has become the first country on the continent to significantly reduce vertical mother-to-child transmission of both HIV and viral hepatitis B, a major milestone in the fight against the spread of HIV

In 2023, for the first time in 34 years, the number of people competent enough in their language to participate in a conversation declined - latest data show - though decades have been dedicated to the restoration and protection of indigenous languages

Namibia's Minister of Health and Social Services stressed the importance of partnerships in the fight against infectious diseases and pandemics, highlighting the need for regional and international cooperation

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has expressed "deep concern" over increased poaching activities within Etosha National Park, where as many as 19 rhinos have been illegally killed by poachers since the beginning of 2024