President Nangolo Mbumba has described recent reports of malnutrition-related deaths as “disturbing”.
The president was speaking at the official commemoration of Heroes Day at Omuthiya yesterday. This year’s event was held under the theme ‘Honouring Our Martyrs (Heroes and Heroines)’.
Mbumba said prime minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has been assigned to look into the matter and take the necessary
measures to address the drought and hunger situation in the country.
He noted that Namibia is facing a devastating drought which affects every region of the country.
“We cannot ignore it, we cannot escape it. As a result, we must face it together,” Mbumba said.
The president highlighted the government’s provision of drought relief assistance countrywide.
“However, I have received disturbing reports of deaths related to malnutrition, specifically among children in various regions,” he said.
The Namibian last week reported that approximately 800 people have died from malnutrition in the Omaheke region since 2022.
The region also recorded 30 219 malnutrition cases in the same two-year period, Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate said during his state of the region address last week.
He further said 14 774 new malnutrition cases were recorded through Nutritional Assessment Counselling and Support during the 2022/2023 financial year.
President Mbumba noted the urgent need to create wealth and job opportunities for all Namibians, particularly the youth.
“I have said several times that we should be in a hurry to develop and grow our economy so that every citizen can benefit,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, Oshikoto governor Penda ya Ndakolo encouraged war veterans to record their experiences of the liberation struggle.
“Write books to transmit history before God comes and takes us. Host events and tell the young ones what happened in the liberation struggle,” he said.
Ya Ndakolo also urged Namibians to be united.
During a scripture reading and prayer, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia reverend Linekela Shikulo accused the ‘born-free’ generation of not appreciating history.
“Some don’t want to be told history. They say history is useless,” he said.
Shikulo called for history to be honoured and preserved.
Read more: We cannot ignore hunger crisis – Mbumba
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