Namibian Health Advocate
Commonwealth Point of Light 215. Esperance Luvindao
Dr Esperance Luvindao, representing Namibia, aged 27, is a medical practitioner and health advocate who has delivered free online consultations to over 44,000 patients across the country and internationally since 2019, particularly in hard-to-reach rural areas.
Esperance started offering the sessions after working in Northern Namibia following medical school and noticing the difficulties that underprivileged citizens experienced accessing healthcare, with many patients having to travel long distances of over 50km and waiting up to 10 hours to see a doctor. She also started the ‘1 Step at A Time’ initiative which has helped over 35,000 Namibians by purchasing crucial medication and medical equipment for village health practices, and has played a key role in supporting the country’s vaccine campaign in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Esperance said:
“I am still trying to process this award. I’m still in awe. Hearing the news that I had won the award was a cherished but emotional moment. It has been years of hard work, sleepless nights and a lot of mental exhaustion.
“I am beyond thrilled and we are honoured to accept the award! Like I always say, we do not do the work in order to be awarded but to be awarded for doing the work we love is a different kind of blessing. We are immensely grateful. When I say we, I mean my entire team and everyone that has been involved in my journey as a Healthcare advocate and humanitarian. The doctors that went before me and took the time to teach me what it means to be a good doctor, my mentor, my family and friends but most importantly, God. I’m excited for what the future holds for me and the millions of lives we are yet to save.”
Charles Moore, British High Commissioner to Namibia, said:
“Dr Esperance Luvindao is an outstanding individual whose passion for delivering healthcare to the poorest communities in Namibia, both physically and remotely, is truly inspirational. She epitomises the Commonwealth Points of Light in every way, with her selfless and energetic activities literally saving thousands of lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the importance of every individual having access to basic healthcare services, regardless of their socio-economic status, but many are still unable to access healthcare services and information, either because of a lack of technology or, more often, due to physical distance from their nearest clinic. By closing this gap, Dr Luvindao has contributed significantly to the availability of healthcare for the poorest and most remote communities in Namibia, with free online consultations providing a new and innovative method of delivering care and advice. This is proving most effective in the areas of sexual and reproductive health, infant and paediatric care, and reducing the spread of misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccinations – all critical issues for the communities supported by Dr Luvindao and her team. Her story is one of compassion, empathy and inspiration, and she truly deserves the accolade awarded to her as a Commonwealth Points of Light.”