Navigating the Skies of Support UNAM

Medical Students Soar with Psychosocial Assistance

In an inspiring collaboration, Debmarine Namibia teamed up with the University of Namibia (UNAM) to provide critical psychosocial support for fifth-year medical students at the Faculty of Health Sciences. This partnership emphasises the importance of mental wellbeing, particularly during the demanding final stages of medical training.

With most of the 5th-year students stationed at the Hage Geingob Campus, Oshakati Intermediate Hospital, and Onandjokwe District Hospital, the initiative aims to address the unique challenges faced by future healthcare professionals. The intense nature of medical education and practice can take a toll on mental health, compounded by psychosocial challenges, which lead some students to consider discontinuing their studies. To address this, the School of Medicine introduced a mentorship programme for fifthyear medical student interns at Oshakati and Onandjokwe, offering support during their stressful internship transitions aimed at guiding these interns through the pressures of their clinical rotations – a vital step in fostering resilience and success. Previously, no formal support was available.

For the years 2023 and 2024, Debmarine Namibia committed to sponsoring psychological services, allowing students to access professional help when they need it most. The sponsorship of this initiative enabled collaboration with psychologists from the UNAM Medical School, Windhoekbased and northern-based psychologists, to consult with student interns by appointment, thereby ensuring that support is readily available for those navigating the complexities of medical internships.

Nanja Limbo-Muchali, Student Counsellor at the UNAM Medical School Dr Hage Geingob Campus, said this support has been a welcome relief for students, many of whom lack medical aid services. The stigma associated with accessing public healthcare while working at clinical rotations often hindered students from seeking help. The introduction of private consultations has not only alleviated these concerns but has also contributed to improved overall well-being and academic performance.

Since the introduction of this initiative in 2023, more than 30 students have accessed and benefited from the psychosocial services. The dual service approach - combined therapy sessions provided by practitioners and regular check-in sessions by the student counsellor - has proven effective in providing comprehensive support.

At Debmarine Namibia, we believe that by addressing mental health concerns, we empower students to achieve their full potential and contribute to the betterment of our communities.

As these students continue their journey toward becoming healthcare professionals, collaborations such as the psychosocial programme serve as a beacon of hope, illustrating the importance of mental health in education and beyond, and serve as a foundation of support for Namibia’s aspiring doctors as they take to the skies of their careers, equipped not only with knowledge but also with the resilience to thrive.