Windhoek: Minister of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), Dr Esperance Luvindao, has emphasized the ministry's commitment to enhancing data interoperability and promoting ethical digital health practices. She articulated these priorities during the inaugural SparkRx Youth Health Innovation Summit at the BeFree Campus.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the event, organized by the One Economy Foundation, was graced by notable figures including former First Lady of Namibia Monica Geingos, former Minister of Sport, Youth and National Service Agnes Tjongarero, and Deputy Executive Director of MoHSS Dr Theo-Ben Kandetu, among others. The summit also marked the launch of Problematic Mindsets Volume Two, an extension of a comprehensive study on gender-based violence and femicide, and violence against children in Namibia.

Dr Luvindao reiterated the ministry's dedication to fostering impactful partnerships, expanding youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services, and ensuring the ethical use of artificial intelligence and digital tools in healthcare. She stressed that these tools should complement, not replace, the indispensable human element in healthcare delivery.

As the leader of MoHSS, Luvindao committed to engaging with the youth and supporting their innovative ideas, which she believes can offer solutions to the challenges faced by the ministry. She acknowledged the inefficiencies caused by the existing paper-based data system in hospitals and expressed a desire to address these through innovation.

Luvindao highlighted that bridging the healthcare gap requires innovative solutions and a willingness to embrace change. Pauline Thomas Kahupi, Executive Director of the One Economy Foundation, also spoke at the summit, calling for collective action among government, academia, the private sector, civil society, and youth networks to achieve lasting impact.

The SparkRx Summit seeks to empower the youth as innovators, beneficiaries, and leaders in reimagining Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, and GBV responses through evidence-based and technology-enabled approaches.