President urges Namibians to fight malaria as cases surge

Amid an ongoing malaria outbreak, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah last week urged Namibians to help combat the disease and to follow health ministry guidelines on how to protect themselves.“The deaths reported in a short time are very threatening. As your president, I am appealing that all of us fight malaria in the manner that we are able to do,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said on Thursday at Oshakati’s Independence Stadium during a Workers&#039; Day commemoration event.By 20 April, Namibia had recorded a total of 56 130 malaria cases, including 5 226 hospital admissions or severe cases and 95 deaths. Outbreaks have been reported in 10 endemic regions: Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Omaheke, Kavango West, Kavango East, Kunene and Zambezi. Cases have risen sharply in most of these regions.Nandi-Ndaitwah said people should take basic precautions, noting that malaria is a seasonal disease and not a year-round threat.“The simple rules are to try and avoid being outside after sunset. When you are outside, try and wear long-sleeve clothes," the president said."We are also told, during this period, to avoid standing water. We are also advised to keep our environment far from vegetation such as grass,” she added.She added that by following these guidelines, people would help the country overcome the ongoing challenges posed by malaria.Work together Namibians Health minister Esperance Luvindao, speaking at the same event, called on all Namibians, across sectors and walks of life, to unite in a determined national effort to combat the public health threat.She warned against complacency, urging the public to remain vigilant.“I call upon every individual present here today to take personal responsibility by engaging at least one or two others, be it a family member, colleague, or neighbour, to raise awareness about the critical importance of seeking prompt medical attention at the nearest health facility at the first sign of malaria symptoms,” she said.Luvindao appealed to employers, workers, trade unions, professional associations and federations to play an active role in mobilising their members.She stressed that early treatment can prevent uncomplicated malaria from developing into severe or complicated cases.“Complicated malaria is a medical emergency, and instant treatment should be initiated because if left untreated, malaria can progress to death," she warned."Severe complicated malaria may affect the brain. It can lead to seizures and coma. This occurs when infected red blood cells block blood flow to the brain. Early diagnosis and treatment of malaria reduces disease burden, prevents further transmission and deaths,” Luvindao said.She advised those returning to malaria-endemic regions to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, body aches, vomiting or diarrhoea.“Protect yourself and your family by sleeping under a treated mosquito net, wearing long-sleeved clothes at night, and using mosquito repellents such as creams, coils, and traditional herbs,” Luvindao stressed. - tuyeimo@nmh-hub.com.na

President urges Namibians to fight malaria as cases surge

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-08-18

Please login to leave a comment

President urges Namibians to fight malaria as cases surge

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-08-18

Please login to leave a comment

Login