Africa-Press – Namibia. MALARIA cases in Namibia have doubled within a year, with over 13 000 cases and 40 deaths recorded nationwide in 2020. The regions Kavango East, Kavango West, Ohangwena and Zambezi collectively accounted for over 85% of these cases and deaths.
This is according to the Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Esther Utjiua Muinjangue, who launched the “Zero Malaria Starts with Me” campaign at Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi Region recently.
Muinjangue said malaria cases have doubled since 2019, and cases were above National Malaria Strategic Plan 2017-2022 targets of 6 500 cases and 2.6 cases per 1 000 population in 2020.
She said malaria is endemic in 10 of Namibia’s 14 regions, namely Kavango East, Kavango West, Ohangwena, Zambezi, Omusati, Oshana, Kunene, Oshikoto, Omaheke and Otjozondjupa.
Muinjangue said the Namibian government with the support of various partners has been battling malaria for years and malaria elimination has become one of the ultimate public health goals.
“We can achieve zero malaria in Namibia if we unite to ensure a successful campaign which will eventually contribute to the national goal of malaria elimination by 2023,” she added.
Muinjangue urged community members to support the indoor residual spraying (IRS) campaign by allowing health officials and spray operators to enter their homes, as well as encourage their neighbours to participate and be protected against malaria infections.
She said indoor residual spraying is freely provided by the Ministry of Health and Social Services, and is safe for humans and domestic animals. “Please be assured that all indoor residual spraying operations will be performed in compliance with recommendations and regulations to prevent Covid-19 transmission. The operators will also have identification cards,” she noted.
The public is encouraged to take protective measures against malaria, which include wearing long-sleeved clothing, using mosquito repellents and sleeping under a long-lasting insecticide-treated net when sleeping indoors or outdoors.
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