Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services Addresses Temporary Shortages of Paracetamol and HIV Test Kits
Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services has acknowledged a temporary supply issue affecting paracetamol and HIV test kits at some public health facilities. Despite the challenges, the ministry has assured the public that measures are in place to ensure uninterrupted essential services. The ministry has taken proactive steps to address the shortages, including increasing budgets for regional facilities to procure critical items directly and redistributing national stock to reduce immediate gaps. A shipment of 3 million units of paracetamol syrup is expected to arrive by mid-December, providing sufficient supply for the coming year.
The ministry has also confirmed efforts to maintain continuity in HIV testing. The current supply of the primary screening kit, Wantai colloidal gold, will last for approximately two to three months. Namibia’s testing algorithm relies on three kits: Wantai for initial screening, Unigold for confirmation, and Sure-Check as a tie-breaker. An order for 15,650 Wantai kits has been placed, with delivery anticipated in about 12 weeks, ensuring continued access to critical diagnostic services.
Health, HIV, Namibia, Paracetamol, Wantai colloidal gold