The MVA Fund and the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MHSS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in ambulance services and trauma care support, with the shared objective of improving emergency medical response and outcomes for victims of motor vehicle crashes.
The partnership provides a framework for the Fund and the Ministry to collaborate in key areas including ambulance services, emergency medical response, the transportation of injured persons, trauma care facilities and the continuation of treatment for people involved in a road crash.
MVA Fund Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, said the MoU represents an important milestone in strengthening the continuum of care for people affected by motor vehicle crashes.
“When a motor vehicle crash occurs, every minute matters. Our responsibility does not end at providing financial assistance to people involved in a road crash; we must also contribute to systems that enable injured persons to access timely and appropriate medical care. This partnership with the Ministry allows us to strengthen that critical link,” said Dr. Martins-Hausiku.
She further added that the partnership demonstrates the importance of collaboration between public institutions in addressing the impact of road crashes and ensuring that crash victims receive urgent care, regardless of where an accident occurs.
The MoU brings together the MVA Fund’s mandate and resources with the Ministry’s healthcare expertise, ambulance services, healthcare professionals and public health infrastructure.
“Namibia’s vast geography presents unique challenges in providing emergency medical services. Through this partnership, we have an opportunity to support interventions that can improve response times, strengthen trauma care and ultimately save lives,” Dr. Esperance Luvindao stated.
The Minister of Health and Social Services said the partnership marks a decisive step towards strengthening Namibia’s emergency medical response system and improving the quality of trauma care available to Namibians.
The Minister emphasised that ambulance services and trauma facilities, including emergency departments, intensive care units, surgical theatres and head injury units, are essential components of Namibia’s emergency care system.
The partnership will be guided by a joint Steering Committee responsible for coordination, oversight and monitoring. The two institutions are expected to conclude a Service Level Agreement within 30 days, setting out the practical arrangements for implementation, supported by specific and measurable annual workplans.
The MVA Fund and the Ministry will work together to ensure that resources are directed towards areas of greatest need and that the partnership produces measurable improvements in emergency medical response and trauma care.
The Fund views the MoU as an important step in advancing its broader mandate of reducing the impact of motor vehicle crashes and supporting victims and their families throughout the post-crash care continuum.
In the photo: MVA Fund CEO Mrs Rosalia Martins-Hausiku and Health Ministry’s minister Dr. Esperance Luvindao at the inking of the MoU.
