Guinas: Women giving birth in moving cars

A lack of adequate healthcare facilities in the Guinas constituency of Oshikoto Region is putting pregnant women at significant risk, with reports of some giving birth in cars while being driven to distant hospitals or clinics or at home due to the unavailability of timely medical care.A recent visit by Namibian Sun to the area revealed widespread concerns from community members who feel neglected regarding access to healthcare.At Farm Ondera, a resettlement area located 45 kilometres from Oshivelo, residents face significant challenges in reaching medical facilities. The journey involves traversing a rough gravel road, unsuitable for ambulances due to the sensitive equipment they carry. Ambulances can only reach the B1 road at the Tsintsabis-Oshivelo T-junction, forcing residents to rely on private transport, which many cannot afford, or to undertake long, arduous walks to Oshivelo.A pre-independence structure at Farm Ondera serves as a makeshift outreach centre where nurses visit twice a month to provide limited services. However, emergencies and chronic conditions remain largely unaddressed.A 'painful' lack of careFarm Ondera manager Jan Haneb highlighted the community's struggles, saying: “The nearest facility is Oshivelo, and a one-way trip costs N$50. With high unemployment rates, many cannot afford this expense. It’s painful to witness elderly people on chronic treatments struggling for healthcare. Transforming our existing facility into a clinic, even with just one nurse, would make a world of difference.”Haneb emphasised the broader implications of the situation, noting: “This doesn’t just affect us. Anyone who finds themselves in this area, whether a journalist or a minister, will face the same challenges if they fall ill. Access to basic healthcare is our right as Namibians.”He also pointed out the need for a health facility to support the hundreds of learners at the local combined school.Similar challenges are reported at Farm Olavi and Farm Six, which held a by-election last Friday.‘Tricky’Oshikoto health director Joshua Nghipangelwa acknowledged the lack of health facilities in Guinas constituency but noted that the area's low population – less than 600 people – makes establishing a clinic challenging. “This issue is tricky because of the population size. However, I believe the political leadership and the health directorate must collaborate to conduct a proper feasibility study and present the findings to the health ministry for consideration,” he said.Nghipangelwa stressed the need for collective action: “These are human beings and they deserve access to healthcare. We will engage the newly elected councillor to explore solutions that can address their needs effectively.”

Guinas: Women giving birth in moving cars

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-02

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Guinas: Women giving birth in moving cars

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-02

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