The #BeFreeCares Clinic completed a five-day sexual and reproductive health outreach in the Oshana Region

From the 18-22 August 2025, the #BeFreeCares Clinic completed a five-day sexual and reproductive health outreach in the Oshana Region, bringing free, youth-friendly services to 949 students and community members in the region.

The week began with support from Ongwediva MediPark Hospital, which donated sexual and reproductive health commodities to assist our outreach efforts. Our first stop was the University of Namibia (UNAM) Oshakati Campus, where students turned up in large numbers, asked questions freely, and left empowered with knowledge and support. Before accessing services, our team guided young people through the available options and implications, ensuring that everyone received accurate and clear health information. At the end of the day, many participants proudly carried their new health passports, a first step in prioritising their wellbeing.

The outreach then moved to the UNAM HP Campus in Ongwediva, where Queen, a student at the university, shared her positive experience of accessing free, youth-friendly services. The atmosphere was vibrant, with students eager to take charge of their health, and by the end of the day, more than 200 students and community members had benefited.

Our third stop was UNAM Jose Eduardo Dos Santos Campus in Ongwediva, where the #BeFreeCares team provided services from morning until late afternoon. Dr Veronica Theron, our Director of Health & Wellness, paid a courtesy visit to the Oshana Regional Directorate of Education. Acting Director Ms Iita warmly welcomed the outreach, emphasising how vital it is for young people to access accurate sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information. Dr Theron also explained how SRH and GBV services are free and accessible, highlighting the role of professional health teams. Ms Iita stressed that focusing on tertiary institutions can positively shape the futures of young people, and the day ended with students leaving empowered and informed.

At Ongwediva JEDS Campus, students once again showed up with energy to access the services and openly engaged in conversations imperative to their reproductive health. Dr Theron also paid a courtesy visit, this time to the Oshana Regional Director at the Ministry of Health and Social Services. In the meeting, Mr Albert Ndahalele, Control Administrative Officer, outlined the challenges the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital faces, noting that the facility, designed for 750 beds, often accommodates up to 900 patients. He also raised concerns about disinformation in the region, particularly around HPV vaccinations and GBV. Dr Theron commended the Ministry’s ongoing efforts and reiterated the importance of SRH services in helping young people take control of their futures.

Day four brought the outreach to the International University of Management (IUM) Ongwediva Campus, where more than 400 students and community members accessed free services, the most clients seen in a day. The engagement was dynamic, with students showing strong interest in learning and taking steps toward better health. Alongside this, the outreach team held a two-day courtesy visit and information session with Deputy Commissioner Steenkamp and the Oshana Regional Police’s GBV and Drug Law Enforcement Units. Discussions focused on critical issues affecting the region, such as Gender-Based Violence, including rape, and substance abuse among young people. Dr Theron highlighted the One Economy Foundation’s commitment to nationwide support, explaining how outreach efforts extend beyond SRH to include court work, trauma support, counselling, suicide prevention, and victim support training. The police force showed great enthusiasm for collaboration, marking the beginning of a strong partnership.

The final day of the outreach took place at the Valombola Vocational Training Centre (VVTC) in Ongwediva, where students and community members were welcomed with youth-friendly services, supportive care, and positive energy. The day marked a successful close to an eventful week.

Over five days, hundreds of students and community members accessed free sexual and reproductive health services, participated in open conversations, and left with knowledge and tools to safeguard their wellbeing. The Oshana Outreach was not only about providing health services, but also about empowering young people, building partnerships, and strengthening community resilience. We are grateful to everyone who supported, participated, and helped make this outreach a success.