Over 30 diagnosed with severe malnutrition at Ondobe

Many households in the Ondobe constituency do not have enough food amid the ongoing drought.

This has led to malnutrition, which particularly affects children.

Primary health-care facilities in the constituency have so far diagnosed over 30 people with severe malnutrition, including children.

Constituency councillor Helaria Ndjuluwa confirmed these statistics while speaking to The Namibian on Monday.

“Malnutrition is rife here and many people are in dire need of food. Sometimes, the drought relief food is not enough for everyone and people end up sleeping on empty stomachs,” said Ndjuluwa.

According to Ndjuluwa, those affected by hunger often go to health centres to save themselves and their children from dying of hunger-related illnesses.

“On a daily basis, we receive so many reports of people in dire need of food and assistance.”

She said health centres in the constituency were asked to compile a report on malnutrition cases.

“It is sad, people are hungry and they are in dire need of food. Drought is the main cause, because many households did not harvest any yield this year,” she said.

In an effort to combat hunger and save lives, Ndjuluwa, through her office, embarked on a feeding project in June to assist those severely affected by hunger.

The project has so far provided food aid to more households in the constituency, she said.

“I have also observed through door-to-door visits that many people in our constituency are affected by drought and in need of food. I then decided to come up with a feeding project whereby I raised N$60 000. I bought five mahangu silos and invited willing donors to make donations to distribute to those in dire need of food. The project was successful and we have really assisted the needy,” she added.

The mahangu silos are set up at the constituency offices and Ndjuluwa plans to implement the initiative annually in future.

“Drought is worse in our constituency. We don’t want anyone to die of hunger. We want this project to continue to assist the needy and all those who are finding themselves in vulnerable situations. Anyone that is willing to assist can do so through our office,” said Ndjuluwa.

She further appealed to any good Samaritan willing to come to the aid of those severely affected by hunger in the constituency to come on board to assist.

She noted that the government’s drought relief efforts are not sufficient for all those in need, which is why more assistance is needed to meet the state half way.