Africa-Press – Namibia. BURN injuries continue to pose a significant public health challenge in Namibia, according to Dr Caridad Lopez San Luis, a plastic surgeon at Medipark Ongwediva.
Dr Lopez San Luis made the remarks during the launch of the burn wound campaign held in Ongwediva on Wednesday.
This year, the campaign, which will run until December, is being held under the theme: “Burn prevention starts at home.”
Dr Lopez San Luis noted that in Namibia, there is still a mortality rate of 5.43 per 100,000 patients admitted with burn injuries.
“These figures are consistent with the high rates of morbidity and mortality from burn wounds observed throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The data shows that about one in five burn victims in the region succumb to their injuries or related complications,” she said.
Dr Lopez San Luis added that the most vulnerable group affected by burns is children. She indicated that an overwhelming 80% of burn victims are aged 10 years or younger.
She explained that the primary cause of burns in the region is scald burns, which account for two-thirds of all cases. The home remains the most common place where burns occur.
Speaking at the same occasion, town mayor Taarah Shalyefu stated that burn injuries are not just accidents—they are life-changing events that affect not only the victim but also their families and communities. He said that they can lead to pain, trauma, disability, and even loss of life if not properly treated.
“Sadly, many of our people, especially children, are affected each year—often because of household accidents, unsafe environments, or a lack of knowledge about prevention,” he said.
He stressed that the campaign is therefore timely and vital. It reminds everyone that prevention is always better than cure, and where accidents happen, immediate access to the right care can make the difference between life and death—or between disability and full recovery.
As a town, Shalyefu indicated, they are committed to supporting initiatives that improve healthcare, education, and community safety.
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