Japan Ambassador, UN Resident Coordinator & UNICEF Rep visit Rundu Hospital to appreciate joint efforts in supporting maternal, newborn & child health programs

Rundu, Namibia - The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Ms. Hopolang Phororo, joined the Honorable Hisao Nishimaki, Ambassador of Japan to Namibia, and UNICEF Representative, Mr. Samuel Ocran for a visit at the Intermediate Hospital Rundu Maternity department on 22 March, to appreciate the joint efforts of the UN, the Government of Japan, and local health authorities in supporting maternal, newborn, and child health programs.

The visit, led by Ms. Idah Mendai, the Kavango East regional health director, aimed to showcase the impact of the UN's collaboration with key partners in strengthening healthcare services in the region. The team toured the maternity department and interacted with nurses and other health practitioners to understand how cold chain equipment and related immunization supply chain training, provided through the UN's support, are being utilized to save children's lives.

Ms. Phororo expressed satisfaction upon hearing testimonials from clinical health workers on how their skills training, facilitated by the UN and its partners, is translating into lives saved. However, the visit also shed light on gaps in essential equipment, which the UN and the Government, along with other development partners, have committed to addressing jointly.

UNICEF, a key UN agency in this partnership, has been instrumental in providing technical expertise and resources to improve maternal and child health outcomes in the region. Mr. Ocran, the UNICEF Representative in Namibia, emphasized the organization's dedication to supporting the Government's efforts in this regard. The Government of Japan, represented by Ambassador Nishimaki, has also been crucial in funding these initiatives.

The visit underscores the UN's commitment to strengthening partnerships, which is at the center of realizing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in ensuring good health and well-being for all. As the UN continues to foster such collaborations, it remains dedicated to supporting Namibia's efforts to enhance healthcare services and build a more resilient health system.