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Esperance Luvindao is a Namibian politician, medical doctor, public health advocate, humanitarian, and international speaker. In March 2025, Hon Dr Luvindao was appointed as Namibia's Minister of Health and Social Services, making her the youngest Health Minister in African History, according to sources not verified, and the second youngest Health Minister in Global History, second to Minister Ariana Campero of Bolivia appointed at the age of 28. She shares second place with Minister Adam Vojtech of the Czech Republic, also appointed at the age of 31.[1] During the 78th World Health Assembly held between 19 and 27 May 2025, Dr. Luvindao was appointed as the Chairperson of Committee A.
Luvindao obtained her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree from the University of Namibia School of Medicine. She later earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Management from the Management College of Southern Africa (MANCOSA) and completed executive and management coaching studies at the University of Cape Town. She completed a postgraduate certificate in digital health with Harvard Business Online and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health from the University of Pretoria.
Career
Luvindao played a key role in Namibia's COVID-19 response as Data Manager for the National Task Force before transitioning into full-time clinical practice. She specialized in gynecology and non-communicable diseases, working at public hospitals under the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
In 2019, she founded Osaat Africa Health Foundation, focusing on women's health education, contraceptive access, and digital health solutions. The foundation launched Menga, a digital platform for medication access in informal settlements, and Emily's Health, a book on women's health published in eight native languages. Luvindao also led the launch of the first portable sonar probe weighing 0.9kg in Namibia for fibroid and obstetric assessments in rural areas without internet connectivity.[3]
She served on the Health Professions Council of Namibia's Disciplinary Board and the Omnicare Trust Board until March 2025.
Humanitarian work
Luvindao founded Osaat Africa Health Foundation which has since raised over 200 community health workers, launched MENGA a digital health innovation that allows people in semi rural areas to access prescribed medication without leaving their local areas, launched Emily's Health; a woman's sexual and reproductive health book educating women about HIV, Contraceptives, STDs and Breast Health in 8 native languages and launched the country's first hand held sonar probe weighing 0.9kg that allows women in rural areas to have sonars done without any internet connectivity. She played a key role in Namibia's vaccine campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic and has continuously advocated for equitable healthcare access.[2]
She won African Humanitarian of the Year (2021) and was nominated for African Speaker of the Year (2021). She has spoken at over 100 international conferences, including TEDx, Gitex Healthcare Innovation (Dubai), and the International Conference on Public Health in Africa.[4]
Other ventures
Luvindao is a certified executive coach and a specialist in leadership development, AI in healthcare, and public speaking. Until 2024, she directed Speaker's Globe, a public-speaking training institution with students from Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, the United States, and beyond.[5]
In 2022, she won second place at the United Nations Young Entrepreneur Awards for her contributions to digital health and women's empowerment.[6]
The New Guard, Africa Intelligence, 9 April 2025 (requires free registration)
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