Eight Cuban doctors arrive in Namibia to help strengthen healthcare

NAMPA

2025-01-06

WINDHOEK, 01 January 2025 - The entrance to the Katutura State Hospital maternity ward. (Photo by: Maysa Sangeve) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 06 JAN (NAMPA) – Eight Cuban doctors arrived in Namibia late last year, increasing the total number of Cuban medical specialists in the country to 98.
Their arrival is aimed at alleviating the shortage of medical staff in Namibia, particularly in underserved areas.
The deployment forms part of a bilateral agreement signed by Namibia and Cuba in 2015. The new specialists have expertise in various fields, including internal medicine, neurosurgery, intensive care, paediatrics, orthopaedics, psychiatry, gynaecology, neonatology, plastic surgery, forensic medicine, stomatology, electromedicine, pharmacy, anaesthesia, urology, radiology, and maxillofacial surgery.
“This is part of the fulfillment of an agreement between the two governments signed in 2015,” Cuban Ambassador Sergio Vigoa de la Luz told Nampa in an interview on Monday.
He noted that the doctors have been assigned to hospitals in Katima Mulilo, Keetmanshoop, Oshakati and Engela, as well as at Katutura Intermediate Hospital, where their skills are urgently needed.
“We welcome these new Cuban collaborators who will contribute to improving health and well-being in Namibia’s remote regions,” the ambassador said.
While the current agreement was signed in 2015, the presence of Cuban doctors in Namibia dates back to 1991. Since Namibia’s independence, about 2 000 Cuban specialists have provided healthcare services in the country.
Beyond healthcare, Cuban expertise extends to fishing, agriculture, sports, education, mining, and construction.
“Currently, 120 Cuban specialists are serving Namibia across various sectors of society and the economy,” Vigoa said.
More than 100 Namibian doctors also graduated from Cuban universities last year and are currently serving in Namibian State hospitals countrywide.
Despite decades of economic blockade, Cuba has maintained a robust healthcare system, including a successful maternal and child health programme which significantly reduced the infant mortality rate of 7,1 per thousand live births in children under one year of age in 33 municipalities in the country.
Cuba also boasts a comprehensive vaccination programme, offering 17 vaccines, 12 of which are produced domestically.
The ambassador emphasised Cuba’s commitment to the partnership with Namibia, expressing hope that the collaboration will further enhance healthcare services in the country.
(NAMPA)
MMT/AS

KEETMANSHOOP, 13 February 2018 – The Keetmanshoop State Hospital. (Photo by: Patience Smith) NAMPA

Namibia health governments

World

Namibia targets investor confidence with legal overhaul

2025-06-24 17:12:28

Namibia still enjoys access to lucrative US market: Ashipala-Musavyi

2025-06-24 13:41:06

Namibia still enjoys access to lucrative US market: Ashipala-Musavyi

2025-06-24 13:41:03

Fair and predictable rules around trade needed for Commonwealth: Tan

2025-06-22 11:55:20

Botchwey urges Commonwealth to unite against threats to trade progress

2025-06-21 14:30:01

Ashipala-Musavyi wishes for inclusive economies of women, youth in Commonwealth

2025-06-20 18:52:01

Ashipala-Musavyi urges Commonwealth trade ministers to drive tangible prosperity

2025-06-20 08:07:26

Commonwealth governments urged to fast-track legal reforms for digital trade

2025-06-19 21:14:57

Commonwealth member states called on to dismantle trade barriers

2025-06-19 19:25:13

Commonwealth investment network to boost Namibian economy: Botchwey

2025-06-19 18:58:35

Nandi-Ndaitwah urges global south unity within Commonwealth

2025-06-19 17:05:23

Latest NAMPA photos

WINDHOEK, 27 June 2025 - One of the trucks donated by the European Union to the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform. (Photo: Contributed)

NAMPA

Swapo Party Youth League regional secretary in the Kavango East Region, Anselm Marungu. (Photo: Contributed)

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 30 June 2025 – Egypt's Ambassador to Namibia Wael Lotfy (L) pictured with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (right) during a courtesy call on statehouse aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and exploring bilateral cooperation. (Photo by: Negumbo Ali) NAMPA

NAMPA

WALVIS BAY, 30 June 2025 - Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi hands over the trading certificate to the Walvis Bay Salt Company CEO Andre Snyman, the first company to trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework the during the official launch of the Namibia’s first export consignment under the framework at Walvis Bay on Monday. This marked the country’s formal entry into Africa’s largest trade agreement. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

NAMPA

WALVIS BAY, 30 June 2025 - Minister and Deputy Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi and Jennely Matundu (middle) photographed with Erongo Governor Neville Andre Itope, Namport CEO Andrew Kanime and Walvis Bay Salt Company CEO Andre Snyman among other leaders during the official launch of the Namibia’s first export consignment under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework at Walvis Bay on Monday, marking the country’s formal entry into Africa’s largest trade agreement. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 30 June 2025 – The International Paralympic Committee (IPC), in collaboration with the Namibia Paralympic Committee (NPC), launched a three-day regional sports training workshop in Windhoek on Monday. The workshop runs until Wednesday and brings together over 80 participants from 17 African countries for coaching and classification training. (Photo by: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 30 June 2025 – Minister of Health and Social Services Esperance Luvindao and pro bono doctors pose for a photo at the launch of the first phase of the Decongestion Strategy on Monday in Windhoek. (Photo by: Molly Weyulu) NAMPA

NAMPA