Background : A number of countries have adopted sugar-sweetened beverage taxes to prevent non-communicable diseases but there is variance in the structures and rates of the taxes. As interventions, sugar-sweetened beverage taxes could be cost-effective but must be compliant with existing legal and taxation systems. Objectives : To assess the legal feasibility of introducing or strengthening taxation laws related to sugar-sweetened beverages, for prevention of non-communicable diseases in seven countries: Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Methods : We assessed the legal feasibility of adopting four types of sugar-sweetened beverage tax formulations in each of the seven countries, using the novel FELIP framework. We conducted a desk-based review of the legal system related to sugar-sweetened beverage taxation and assessed the barriers to, and facilitators and legal feasibility of, introducing each of the selected formulations by considering the existing laws, laws related to impacted sectors, legal infrastructure, and processes involved in adopting laws. Results : Six countries had legal mandates to prevent non-communicable diseases and protect the health of citizens. As of 2019, all countries had excise tax legislation. Five countries levied excise taxes on all soft drinks, but most did not exclusively target sugar-sweetened beverages, and taxation rates were well below the World Health Organization’s recommended 20%. In Uganda and Kenya, agricultural or HIV-related levies offered alternative mechanisms to disincentivise consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages without the introduction of new taxes. Nutrition-labelling laws in all countries made it feasible to adopt taxes linked to the sugar content of beverages, but there were lacunas in existing infrastructure for more sophisticated taxation structures. Conclusion : Sugar-sweetened beverage taxes are legally feasible in all seven countries Existing laws provide a means to implement taxes as a public health intervention.

Background: Nutrition-related non-communicable diseases contribute to approximately half of the premature deaths in Namibia. Westernisation and urbanisation of communities have resulted in changing dietary patterns that see people eating more refined and high sugar content foods that are a risk for nutrition-related non-communicable diseases. Sugarsweetened beverage taxation has been found to influence consumer purchasing behaviour and to raise revenue for health-promoting activity in other low-and middle-income countries. Objectives: To analyse Namibia's non-communicable diseases prevention policy landscape and assess the readiness of the Government to adopt sugar-sweetened beverage taxation policies for public health. Methods: Government policy documents relating to nutrition-related non-communicable diseases were analysed, utilising predetermined variables based on policy theory. Thirteen key informant interviews were conducted with stakeholders from Government, nongovernmental organisations and academic institutions. Data sets were analysed utilising Kingdon's analytical theory for agenda setting. Results: Nutrition-related non-communicable diseases are an increasing problem that requires immediate action. Diet and lifestyle are recognised as major contributors to noncommunicable diseases. The Government has adopted a multisectoral approach to the control and prevention of non-communicable diseases in Namibia. A sugar-sweetened beverage tax is envisaged in policy, but there is no progress towards its enactment. At the highest level of Government, the Ministry of Finance has ruled out immediate action towards sugar-sweetened beverage taxation. There is little publicly available information about the Namibian beverages industry, but it is closely tied to the South African drinking industry and is influenced by policy action in that country. Conclusion:The Government of Namibia has taken positive steps and the policy environment is friendly towards an SSB tax. The proximity of trade and the competitive nature of the Namibian drinks industry with South Africa suggest that a regional perspective to advocacy would be of value.

Quality improvement and quality assurance in healthcare settings depend to a great degree on interpersonal relationships that enable effective communication and understanding between individuals. Poor interpersonal relationships between health professionals, patients or groups are considered detrimental to the achievement and sharing of common goals. This paper explored the experiences of managers and health professionals regarding the quality of health care delivery at the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) in Namibia, using interviews and focus group discussions. The findings indicated negative attitudes by health professionals towards patients; poor communication among health professionals; lack of motivation and team work as well as resistance to change. It was concluded that most of the problems at MoHSS health care facilities are due to the lack of strong interpersonal relationships, either between patients and health professionals or between health professionals and management. The researchers recommend future research to document the views and experiences of private health providers and patients.

Purpose: The high prevalence of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and its association with cervical cancer (as one of the leading causes of death in Namibia) makes it important to determine the level of understanding as well as beliefs of the public regarding HPV, especially that of young university female students. The purpose of the study was to determine awareness, knowledge, attitude and practices regarding HPV, among female students at the University of Namibia.Methods: A quantitative cross sectional research design was adopted using a convenient sample of 126 female students from the 534 females at the health sciences faculty, University of Namibia, Main Campus. Data was collected using a modified, adopted self-administered questionnaire and analysed using Microsoft Excel 2013.Results: The majority of participants were below 25 years (79.1%), single (91.7%) and nursing students (93.3%). HPV awareness was generally high with the majority aware of HPV infection (71%), cervical cancer (94.2%), genital warts (90%) and HPV vaccine (54.2%). Only 40% knew that HPV could be transmitted through skin to skin contact and only 9.2% knew that HPV was not associated with herpes. Attitude towards HPV was positive, 55% believed they were at risk of HPV and 82% were willing to receive the HPV vaccine. Practices regarding HPV were poor, 68% were sexually active, 40% reported using condoms sometimes, 7% never used condoms at all and 75% had never had a Pap smear test done.Conclusions: Level of awareness and knowledge of HPV, its related diseases and vaccines was moderate to high, attitude was generally positive whilst practice was poor among female students at the health sciences faculty, University of Namibia. Students need to be encouraged to engage in safe sexual practice to prevent and reduce risk of HPV infection.

Background. All newborn infants are required to undergo the Apgar score/assessment immediately after birth and again at five minutes. This vital examination is performed to determine how well the infant is adjusting to the birthing process and the outside environment. Some newborns may have a normal Apgar score, while others may have a low score. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with low Apgar scores among newborns at an intermediate hospital in Northern Namibia. Objective. To identify maternal factors associated with an immediate low Apgar score in newborns at an intermediate hospital in Northern Namibia and to examine the association between maternal factors and an immediate low Apgar score. Quantitative, retrospective, descriptive research methodology was employed. A document review checklist was utilized to collect data at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital between August 2020 and October 2020. Results. Gravidity (p0.021), parity (p0.029), haemoglobin after the first ante-natal care visit (p0.011), ante-partum haemorrhage (APH) (p0.004), membrane status (p0.000), duration of labour (p0.000), type of delivery (p0.000), and caesarean section type and indication (p0.000) were found to be associated with an immediate low Apgar score. Conclusions: The study identified maternal factors that influence an infant’s initial low Apgar score. Strengthen maternal health education regarding gravidity and parity, diet, and recognizing danger signs during pregnancy. In addition, strict monitoring of patients with a partograph, cardiotocography, accurate record keeping, and prompt referral of patients with risk factors is strongly advised.