Onandjokwe Medical Museum in Oniipa

Just outside of Ondangwa lies the charming town of Oniipa, named after the African Ebony tree. Established in 1872 by the Finnish Mission Society, the presence of the Finns is still felt in corners of this quaint town today. Something synonymous with Finland, and the only Finnish word to make it into everyday English, an authentic Finnish sauna is listed as one of the tourist attractions in this northern Namibian town.

Another distinctive milestone achieved in Oniipa is that one of the first hospitals was established there in 1911, and the first nursing school in 1930. With this history it is not surprising that Oniipa also boasts the country’s first medical museum, now a non-profit museum that highlights these and other events in the history of this unique town.

A monumental event was the arrival of Dr Selma Rainio from Finland. She was the first medical doctor in this part of the country. Soon after her arrival in 1908 she started treating patients, usually seeing around 40 a day. They quickly spread word of her medical skills – at a time when people strongly relied on traditional local herbalists and healers. But more and more patients started to flock to Dr Rainio's door because her treatments were affordable and very effective.

Dr Rainio proposed the idea to build a hospital in Oniipa to the Finnish Mission Society. Thus Onandjokwe hospital was established, the first hospital in the far north, and the first building in this part of the country to sport a corrugated iron roof.

Later, Dr Selma Rainio affectionately became known as Kuku gwaNandjokwe (Onandjokwe’s grandmother). She spent the rest of her life working many long hours at this hospital. When she passed away in 1938 she was buried with special honours behind Onandjokwe. She is still held in high regard for her historical significance in northern Namibia.

Another first for Namibia that started in Oniipa was the establishment of the Onandjokwe Medical Museum which showcases the history of medical practices in the region. It houses a collection of real medical equipment and pictures dating back to 1908. Permanent exhibitions feature the role of the hospital during the liberation struggle. Another highlight is the Traditional Medicine Garden which shows the use of medicinal plants.

Steeped in history, from a traditional as well as medical point of view, Oniipa is well worth a visit. When you next visit northern Namibia be sure to make a turn at the Onandjokwe Medical Museum, open Monday to Friday from 8h00 to 17h00. Or contact the Museum’s curator, Kleopas Nghikefelwa, on +264812755616 for more information.