Mental health services face expansion in Namibia and staffing shortages in Ireland

Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services has announced plans to establish at least five additional mental health units by 2037. Following the approval of the Mental Health Bill of 2025, the ministry aims to address severe shortages in specialized care, noting that only four psychiatrists are currently available nationwide. The Namibia National Mental Health Commitments of 2026 include a proposal to increase annual mental health budget allocations by at least 4% starting from the 2027/28 financial year.

In Ireland, staffing constraints are impacting maternal mental health services. Two maternity hospitals, Portiuncula University Hospital in Galway and Regional Hospital Portlaoise in Laois, are currently not providing specialist mental health services for pregnant women and new mothers. Additionally, five other regional hospitals are operating at reduced capacity, working only four days a week. These gaps affect the Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Services (SPMHS) model, which is intended to support women experiencing moderate to severe depression during and after pregnancy.