Press Release WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION -P.O.BOX 3444 – WINDHOEK – NAMIBIA TEL: 2046289/2046111 0811278738 FAX: 2046202 WHO NAMIBIA WHO/01 14 SEPTEMBER 2005 Ministry of Health and Social Services launched “Equity in Health Care in Namibia,” study report to assist with resource allocation mechanisms. Windhoek, 13 September 2005 --- The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) on Tuesday, 13 September, launched a study report on Equity in Health Care in Namibia, which is aimed at generating evidence needed to enhance the health ministry’ endeavors to redressing inequities in resource allocation in the country. The study specifically purports to develop a needs-based allocation formula that will assist the MoHSS to shift its resource allocation mechanism away from the historical incrementalist type. “The principle of equity is one of the pillars of the Primary Health Care (PHC) approach, which is also firmly entrenched in our policy framework. The reduction of the inequities in health and health care remains one of the challenges of health policies of all countries, developed and developing. Equity is in fact one of the major objectives and priorities of health policy. MoHSS PS. K. Shangula officially launching the “Equity in Health Care in Namibia” study report for economic, social and moral reasons, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, the MoHSS Permanent Secretary said at the official launch of the study in Windhoek. According to Dr. Shangula, as part of the PHC strategy, the MoHSS considers equity as one of the guiding principles for the allocation of resources to maximize the health outcomes of the poor and disadvantaged. Within the Poverty Reduction Strategy the Government is committed towards achieving a reduction in inter-regional disparities in resource allocation through an appropriate resource allocation formula. In Namibia the current allocation of public sector health resources that is based on historical incrementalist budgeting is not even in line with equal expenditure per capita. Therefore, in moving towards needs-based allocation, it may be advisable in short run to aim at equal expenditure per capita, Dr. Shangula explained. Commending on the study, WHO Representative, Dr. Custodia Mandlhate welcomed the study and reiterated the Organizations continued support for the implementation of the recommendations. “This study is extremely important at this stage of the Governments efforts to address inequalities in health,” Dr. Mandlhate stated. She further pledged the Organizations continued support towards the implementation of the study recommendations. The Under Secretary: Department of Health & Social Services, Dr. Norbert Forster and Under Secretary: Department Policy Development & Resource Management Ms. K. Mutirua gave a presentation on equity in resource allocation – concept and methods and Equity in health care in Namibia towards needs based allocation formula. For more information contact: Francis Xoagub Telephone: +264 061 2046339 Cell phone: 0811278738 Email: xoagubf@na.afro.who.int