US supports state pharmacies across Namibia
In Namibia, where approximately 350 health facilities offer pharmaceutical services, ongoing capacity building and technical support for pharmacists are essential to uphold high-quality service standards.Pharmacists like Anna Naukushu face time constraints due to heavy patient loads, leaving little room for training in critical areas such as medicine safety and health commodity management. Despite these challenges, Anna's passion for providing excellent service stems from her childhood dream of aiding those in need.
Hailing from Otaukondjele village in the Ohangwena region, Anna's fascination with science led her to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Pharmacy. Now working as a pharmacist, Anna receives expert support directly at her workstation, thanks to visits facilitated by the Ministry of Health and Social Services, funded by the US government through USAID's Global Health Supply Chain Program (GHSC).
These visits, conducted across Namibia's 14 regions, involve ministry officials, GHSC staff, and senior pharmacists. They focus on resolving challenges pharmacists face daily, ranging from electronic dispensing tools to infrastructure and human resource constraints.
For Anna, these visits have significantly improved her work environment at Rundu District Hospital, enhancing her ability to manage complex medication regimes and address patient concerns efficiently.
Additionally, the support teams assess performance at health facilities, ensuring proper warehouse and cold chain management, inventory control, and Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) services. For instance, at Eloolo Clinic in the Oshana region, a visit helped rectify reporting gaps, leading to the return of 670 HIV patients to treatment.
These visits serve as vital tools for policy development, allowing the Ministry of Health and Social Services to bridge gaps between reported and actual situations, thereby influencing national policies.
Moving forward, expert visits will continue to drive tangible improvements in Namibia's pharmaceutical sector, empowering pharmacists like Anna to provide optimal service to their clients. For Anna, fulfilling her childhood dream brings a sense of fulfilment as she ensures her clients receive the best care possible.