Staff Reporter
THE Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, has said that the Ministry of Health has been notified of increases in the incidence of respiratory diseases, predominantly affecting children in the northern parts of the People’s Republic of China.
The minister, amidst the new possible outbreak in China, has assured Namibians and called for calm, adding that COVID-19 and Influenza surveillance activities in place in Namibia have not, to date, detected an increase in respiratory infections, including COVID-19, or an increase in respiratory infection-associated hospitalizations or deaths in the country that would warrant the Ministry to adjust its posture at this time.
He added that, in order to further strengthen health security in Namibia, together with the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, and that of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, the ministers jointly launched the National Action Plan on Health Security (NAPHS) 2021–2025 in December 2020. The Action Plan provides an overarching framework that guides multi-sectoral action for prevention, preparedness, and response to public health emergencies under a One Health Approach. As a signatory State, Namibia implements the International Health Regulations of 2005 under the World Health Organization and maintains an active National Focal Point (NFP) on International Health Regulations.
“On 22 November 2023, via the National Focal Point I just mentioned, the Ministry of Health and Social Services was notified of increases in the incidence of respiratory diseases, predominantly affecting children in the northern parts of the People’s Republic of China. The Chinese authorities attributed this increase to a number of factors. These include the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, the arrival of the cold season in the northern hemisphere, the circulating known pathogens such as influenza, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as well as the severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Mycoplasma pneumonia and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are known to affect children more than adults,” Dr. Shangula said.
He added that, according to observers and authorities, the noted increase in respiratory infections in China and other countries in the northern hemisphere is an expected phenomenon during this time due to prevailing winter weather conditions.
“Seeing that the reported increase in cases of respiratory infections does not meet the threshold to be a public health threat, the public is urged to remain calm. As it currently stands, the World Health Organization does not recommend any specific measures for travelers to China in light of the reported increases in respiratory infections in that country,” Dr. Kalumbi said.
He, however, advised persons to avoid travel while experiencing symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, if possible. In the case of symptoms during or after travel, travelers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share their travel history with their healthcare providers. He added that children and the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are especially at risk. Symptoms are common to many respiratory infections which include fever, cough, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, difficulty in breathing, and feeling generally unwell.
“The Government of the Republic of Namibia aligns with the World Health Organization advisory against the application of any travel or trade restrictions based on the current information available on this event,” Dr. Shangula said.
Leave a Reply