Staff Reporter
THE country has reported a significant increase in malaria cases, with at least 12 deaths recorded since the beginning of this year, and 133 hospitalizations.
The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, has urged the nation to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families from malaria. He confirmed that 15 malaria-endemic districts have surpassed their epidemic thresholds and are experiencing outbreaks.
The gravity of this situation was also underscored by Winnie Moong, a member of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) in the National Assembly, during her address in parliament yesterday. She disclosed that the impacted districts include Eenhana, Okongo, Engela, Onandjokwe, Omuthiya, Tsumeb, Oshakati, Oshikuku, Outapi, Rundu, Andara, Nyangana, Nkurenkuru, Ncamagoro, and Opuwo.
However, Shangula reassured that his ministry, in collaboration with stakeholders and partners, is tirelessly working to enhance the testing, diagnosis, and treatment of malaria. This, he said, is aimed at ensuring that health facilities are well-prepared to handle the substantial influx of malaria patients. Additionally, he encouraged communities, especially community leaders, to actively participate in raising awareness about the significance of seeking early treatment for malaria symptoms and adhering to the complete course of treatment.
“I urge the public to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from mosquito bites by allowing spray teams to spray your houses every year with the World Health Organisation-approved insecticides provided at no cost by the Ministry of Health and Social Services; by sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets every night and when travelling to an area where malaria occurs, talk to your health care provider about medicines to prevent you from getting malaria,” the health minister said.
He further advised individuals who have visited regions where malaria is prevalent and experienced symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, body ache, and fatigue to promptly seek medical attention.
“It is important to note that we are all at risk of contracting malaria. I urge the entire Namibian nation to remain vigilant and to take proactive steps to always protect themselves and their families from malaria. Let us all work together to ensure that every individual affected by malaria received the care and support they need. With concerted efforts, we can overcome this outbreak and protect our communities,” Shangula added.
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