Health ministry on high alert as malaria cases increase, nine deaths recorded

Namibia has recorded 2 210 malaria cases nationally as of 15 December, including nine deaths as a result of the rainy season.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services warned of an increase in the number of cases until April when the rainy season ends.

The ministry last week announced that the majority of the cases were recorded in the northern parts of the country.

“The majority of the cases were reported from the Eenhana district (with 661 cases), accounting for 30%, followed by Okongo (with 336 cases), accounting for 15% of the total cases,” ministry of health executive director Ben Nangombe says in a statement.

The affected districts include Eenhana, Okongo, Outapi, Engela, Nkurenkuru,Oshikuku, Omuthiya, Oshakati, Onandjokwe, Tsumeb, Rundu, Okahao, Tsandi, Ncamagoro, Nyangana and
Andara.

“At least 16 malaria-endemic districts have surpassed the epidemic threshold and are
experiencing outbreaks,” says Nangombe.

Nangombe adds that the cases are expected to increase due to the rainy season.

“The ministry, therefore, calls on all Namibians and travellers to the north and north-eastern parts of the country to take all necessary precautions to prevent malaria infections,” he says.