Windhoek

Namibia / Windhoek

OVERVIEW

Contraception (Birth Control)

General Note: There are many types of contraceptives, also known as "birth control," including IUDs, oral contraceptives, patches, shots, and condoms, etc. If you would like to view a full list, click here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

In Namibia, you need a prescription to purchase most contraceptive methods, such as oral contraceptives (birth control pills), at pharmacies. However, you can access condoms (male and female) without a prescription.

In 2015, it was estimated that about 57% of Namibian women (who were married/in unions and of reproductive age) used some form of birth control, including traditional methods, which was a bit lower than the Southern African average (64% of women using contraceptives). Furthermore, it was found that about 17% of women had unmet family planning needs, which was higher than the Southern African average (13% had unmet needs). The most common forms of contraception for Namibian women was contraceptive injectables (28%). This was followed by male condoms (12%), birth control pills (7%), and female sterilization (6%). There were low rates of usage for IUDs (1%), contraceptive implants (less than 1%), and male sterilization (less than 1%). There were practically no users of vaginal barrier methods (0%). Traditional methods, such as the rhythm method or withdrawal, had low usage as well (less than 1%, respectively).

Costs

• At a pharmacy, you can expect to pay the following prices, as of August 2018: Oral contraceptives ranging from N$100.00 to N$250.00. Condoms range from N$20.00 to N$150.00.

Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)

Important Notes: Emergency contraception may prevent pregnancy for three days (72 hours) and sometimes five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Take EC as soon as possible after unprotected sex. If you don't have access to dedicated EC, oral contraceptives can be used as replacement EC, but remember the following: 1) Only some contraceptives work as EC 2) Different contraceptives require different dosages and time schedules to work as EC 3) You must only use the first 21 pills in 28-day packs and 4) They may be less effective than dedicated EC. For general information on emergency contraceptives, click here and here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

In Namibia, you can only access emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills) by prescription.

Generally speaking, emergency contraceptive pills are not commonly used in Namibia. While the data is old, in 2006-07, it was found that 1.6% of women had ever used ECPs and about 21% had knowledge of ECPs.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)

Important Notes - Learn about PEP and PrEP: If you think that you've been recently exposed to HIV (i.e. within 72 hours), seek out PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a month-long treatment to prevent HIV infection after exposure, and it may be available in your city. Take PEP as soon as possible. For more information, click here. If you are at risk of HIV exposure, seek out PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a daily oral pill that can prevent HIV infection before exposure. To learn more about PrEP, click here.

Support

• The Namibia Networks of AIDS Service Organisations (NANASO): "The Namibia Networks of AIDS Service Organisations (NANASO) is a National network comprising of national networks of AIDS Service Organisations (ASOs). NANASO’s supports a 1000-strong affiliate network of AIDS Service Organisations and individuals. Services include Training, Advocacy, Libraries, Distribution hubs, Community fora and networks, building AIDS Competent communities and bridging the gap between local and national, communities." Address: 30, Liter Street, Windhoek Namibia. Phone: +264 61 261122. Email: nanaso@nanaso.com
• PEPFAR Namibia Information from the US Consulate: "The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Namibian government are in partnership to meet joint priorities, to build capacity and systems needed to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the national HIV/AIDS program. We work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) and partners to plan, implement and monitor co-investments to achieve epidemic control and foster a sustainable response." Address: U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Sanlam building, 3rd Floor, Independence Avenue, Windhoek, Namibia. Office: +264 61 295 8520. Fax: +264 61 400 663.
• Project Hope - Namibia: "Project HOPE began strengthening health care services and providing health education in Namibia in 2002 while implementing HIV/AIDS workplace education programs. HOPE's programs have since grown to include TB treatment and education, strengthening the coping capacities of households and communities caring for OVC, working to prevent HIV/AIDS among young women and village health banks."
• Catholic AIDS Action: "Acting in the Spirit of Christ, Catholic AIDS Action challenges the AIDS pandemic in Namibia with the Courage to Fight and the Strength to Care for the benefit of all." National Telephone: 061 276 350. National Office fax: 061 276 364. National Office physical address: No12, Adler Street, Windhoek West, Windhoek. Email address: info@caa.org.na
• IntraHealth Namibia: "Since 2006, we've partnered with the Namibian government and NGOs (including faith-based health organizations) to make HIV services for counseling, testing, prevention, care, and treatment more widely available to communities throughout Namibia. We provide training, mentoring, and supportive supervision to help Namibia's health workers deliver high-quality, comprehensive health services. And together with our local partners, we strengthen institutions’ financial, human resources, and management systems."
• AIDS Care Trust of Namibia: "Aids Care Trust of Namibia is an organization that amis at providing holistic services in HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support through greater coordination, better partnerships and livelihood support programs resulting in an empowered community capable of self sustenance." Email: info@aidscaretrust.org
• Namibia Women's Health Network: "Namibia Women’s Health Network (NWHN) is a organisation of women living with HIV created by 14 women that participated in the Parliamentarians for Women’s Health project in 2005 to 2008."

Menstruation

Note: In addition to pads and tampons, you can also use menstrual cups and menstrual underwear for your period. To learn more about menstrual cups, click here. To learn more about menstrual underwear, click here.

What to Get & Where to Get It

• Sister Pads: "SisterPADS offers a sustainable solution to a monthly reality. Through our cost-effective, eco-friendly, washable and re-usable sanitary pads we aim to improve girls’ menstrual health hygiene and welfare. SisterPADS is focused on effecting increased school attendance and subsequent academic performance. Instead of fearing embarrassment and therefore being held back by something as natural as menstruation, SisterPADS promotes agency and mobility."

Abortion

Important Note: There are two main types of abortions: medical (also known as the "abortion pill") and surgical (also known as "in-clinic"). For medical abortions, you take a pill to induce abortion. For surgical abortions, a procedure is performed to induce abortion. For general information about medical and surgical abortions, click here.

Advocacy & Counseling

What to Get & Where to Get It

• [FRIENDLY HAVEN]: "Established in 1996, this shelter is a project of the Ecumenical Social Diaconate Action (ESDA). Friendly Haven provides safe housing to women and their children in Windhoek. All staff members receive GBV sensitization training." Mailing Address: Friendly Haven Khomasdal,

WINDHOEK PO BOX 10081. Cell: 081-1243010. Mail: esda@iway.na

List of Additional Resources

• Click here to learn about LBTQ rights and laws in Namibia. It is important to note that homosexuality is illegal in Namibia, and there are no laws prohibiting the discrimination against LGBTQ people. It is also illegal to change gender.
• Sister Namibia: "Sister Namibia is a feminist and women’s rights organization located in Windhoek, Namibia. Since our establishment in 1989 we have been a constant voice for women and women’s equality throughout the lifespan of independent Namibia." 163 Nelson Address: Mandela Avenue, Eros, Windhoek, P.O Box 86753, Windhoek. Tel: +264 (0) 61 230 757. Fax: +264 (0) 61 236 371