Windhoek, Namibia – Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has ramped up efforts to tackle a severe malaria outbreak that has claimed the lives of 28 individuals, with nearly 6,000 confirmed cases reported as of January 19, 2025. The outbreak, primarily concentrated in the northern regions of the country, has prompted the Ministry to implement urgent public health measures.
MoHSS Executive Director, Ben Nangombe, disclosed in a press briefing on Friday that 20 of Namibia’s 26 malaria-endemic districts have surpassed the epidemic threshold. Among the most affected areas are the northern districts of Eenhana, Okongo, Engela, and Nkurenkuru, which together account for more than half of the country’s reported malaria cases.
“Eenhana district alone represents 24 percent of the total cases, followed by Okongo and Engela at 13 percent each, and Nkurenkuru at 12 percent,” Nangombe stated. The majority of the cases are located in rural regions, particularly in the regions of Kavango East, Kavango West, Kunene, Ohangwena, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Omusati, and Zambezi, where more than half of Namibia’s population resides in malaria-endemic areas.
The current outbreak follows the country’s seasonal malaria trend, with cases typically peaking from December to April due to seasonal rains that create mosquito breeding grounds. “Puddles, stagnant pools, and other water bodies that form as a result of rainfall provide mosquitoes with ample sites to lay their eggs,” Nangombe explained.
Certain groups, including children under five, pregnant women, and nomadic communities, are at higher risk of severe malaria due to delayed access to healthcare. The Ministry has underscored the importance of early treatment, emphasizing that when malaria is diagnosed and treated promptly, the risk of severe complications and death can be significantly reduced.
In response to the outbreak, the Ministry has launched several key interventions to curb the spread of the disease. These include indoor residual spraying, the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and extensive door-to-door awareness campaigns aimed at educating communities about preventive measures. Additionally, the Ministry is working closely with neighboring countries to manage malaria in border regions.
The government has urged the public to cooperate by adhering to preventive measures and seeking healthcare as soon as symptoms appear. Early detection and treatment remain critical in reducing the toll of the outbreak.
With the cooperation of the public and continued efforts by the Ministry, Namibia aims to control and ultimately eliminate the current malaria threat.
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