MPs probe hubbly bubbly health risks at schools
Eugenia Moche Members of Parliament have launched stakeholder consultations on the use of ‘hubby bubbly’ (hookah) and its health impact on Namibian youth. The consultations, scheduled to run from 13 to 31 July 2026, will be conducted by the National Council Standing Committee on Health, Social Welfare, and Labour Affairs across several regions, including Oshana, […]
Eugenia Moche
Members of Parliament have launched stakeholder consultations on the use of ‘hubby bubbly’ (hookah) and its health impact on Namibian youth.
The consultations, scheduled to run from 13 to 31 July 2026, will be conducted by the National Council Standing Committee on Health, Social Welfare, and Labour Affairs across several regions, including Oshana, Otjozondjupa, and Omaheke.
With rising concerns over the popularity of hookah smoking among learners, the consultations in the regions aim to expand the evidence base by engaging learners, educators, and relevant stakeholders on the prevalence and health implications of hubbly bubbly in schools.
The initiative follows a motion adopted during the 2020–2025 parliamentary tenure, which tasked the health committee with investigating the effects of hubbly bubbly.
Previous oversight visits to the Hardap, Khomas, and Erongo regions in August 2024 uncovered widespread use among learners, raising concerns about addiction, declining academic performance, and health risks.
According to the 2024 oversight report, during engagements, the committee learned that many learners experiment with hubbly bubbly and vapes due to peer pressure and permissive household attitudes.
