MoHSS moves to address shortages of essential medicines and HIV test kits

By: Selma Taapopi

Amid public concern over the availability of essential medicines and HIV test kits, the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) says it has put in place several measures to stabilise supplies nationwide.

The ministry confirmed that it has procured 300 000 units of paracetamol syrup, which are currently en route to Namibia and expected to arrive by middle December. Once delivered, the stock will meet national demand for the next 12 months.

The ministry’s executive director, Penda Ithindi, in a media statement on Tuesday said that paracetamol formulations remain available although in limited quantities across health facilities, where both paracetamol syrup and suppositories continue to be used.

To further strengthen supply, the ministry has increased regional buy-out budgets, enabling regional health facilities to procure essential items in the short term. Existing stock is also being continuously redistributed within and between regions to ensure that items in low demand are shifted to areas experiencing shortages, thereby improving overall resource utilisation.

Regarding HIV testing kits, the ministry reported that the current national stock of Colloidal Gold, the primary screening test stands at 2 400 units, enough to last two to three months across the Central Medical Stores, the Oshakati and Rundu regional stores, and health facilities. A main order of 15 650 additional units, representing 11 months of national coverage, has been placed and is expected to arrive within 12 weeks.

The ministry also confirmed adequate supplies of Unigold, the confirmatory HIV test, following a delivery last week that will sustain testing for six months.

For the Sure-Check test, used as a tiebreaker in fewer than 2% of national HIV tests, some stock remains available. Procurement for additional supplies is underway, while ongoing redistribution ensures uninterrupted testing where needed.