Burn injuries pose major health challenge in Namibia
Children account for 80% of burn victims in Namibia
Burn injuries remain a serious public health threat in Namibia, with children the most vulnerable.
Dr Caridad Lopez San Luis, speaking at the launch of a national wound campaign last week, said Namibia records a death rate of 5.43 per 100 000 patients admitted with burn injuries – figures that mirror the high morbidity and mortality rates across sub-Saharan Africa, where one in five burn victims do not survive.
She said children account for around 80% of burn victims, most of them aged 10 or younger.
Scald burns are the leading cause, responsible for two-thirds of all cases, and most incidents occur in the home, she explained.
This year’s campaign, which runs until December under the theme \'Burn prevention starts at home”\', aims to raise awareness on prevention and the importance of immediate access to treatment.
Ongwediva mayor Taarah Shalyefu said burn injuries are not just accidents but life-changing events with devastating effects on victims, their families and communities.
“They can lead to pain, trauma, disability and even loss of life if not properly treated," the mayor said.
"Sadly, many of our people, especially children, are affected each year because of household accidents, unsafe environments and lack of knowledge about avoidance," he said, stressing the need for prevention and timely care.
Shalyefu said measures such as keeping hot liquids out of children’s reach, handling paraffin stoves safely, and providing proper first aid can save lives.
He added that the town remains committed to supporting initiatives that improve healthcare, education and community safety.
Dr Caridad Lopez San Luis, speaking at the launch of a national wound campaign last week, said Namibia records a death rate of 5.43 per 100 000 patients admitted with burn injuries – figures that mirror the high morbidity and mortality rates across sub-Saharan Africa, where one in five burn victims do not survive.
She said children account for around 80% of burn victims, most of them aged 10 or younger.
Scald burns are the leading cause, responsible for two-thirds of all cases, and most incidents occur in the home, she explained.
This year’s campaign, which runs until December under the theme \'Burn prevention starts at home”\', aims to raise awareness on prevention and the importance of immediate access to treatment.
Ongwediva mayor Taarah Shalyefu said burn injuries are not just accidents but life-changing events with devastating effects on victims, their families and communities.
“They can lead to pain, trauma, disability and even loss of life if not properly treated," the mayor said.
"Sadly, many of our people, especially children, are affected each year because of household accidents, unsafe environments and lack of knowledge about avoidance," he said, stressing the need for prevention and timely care.
Shalyefu said measures such as keeping hot liquids out of children’s reach, handling paraffin stoves safely, and providing proper first aid can save lives.
He added that the town remains committed to supporting initiatives that improve healthcare, education and community safety.
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Namibian Sun
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