Over 35 000 Namibian children face hunger

Namibia has 35 197 children under five years old who are severely or moderately malnourished.

This is in addition to 7 057 severely or moderately malnourished pregnant people and lactating mothers.

These figures are contained in the government’s drought response plan from July 2021 to June 2025.

Namibia observed World Food Day on Wednesday under the theme ‘Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future, Leave No One Behind’.

An event in this regard was held in the Omaheke region.

Minister of health and social services Kalumbi Shangula at the event said his ministry is conducting growth monitoring at all hospitals, healthcare centres and clinics.

“This is where malnourished children are mostly noticed. Other cases are brought to hospitals for admission and treatment,” he said.

Shangula said malnutrition is either a consequence of a lack of food, consuming inadequate food, or neglect.

“Malnutrition needs to be addressed in the communities where children live. Children need to be fed a balanced, nutritious diet,” he said.

WORLD FOOD DAY

Speaking at the World Food Day event, Omaheke regional councillor Packy Pakarae said the event’s theme resonates deeply with Namibia’s aspiration to highlight the fundamental human right to food.

It recognises that food security is not just about availability, but also about equitable access for all individuals.

“While economic disparity, climate change, and socio-economic factors contribute to food insecurity, this theme reinforces the need for inclusive food systems that ensure no one is left behind,” Pakarae said.

He was speaking on behalf of regional council chairperson Ignatius Kariseb.

Pakarae said World Food Day provides a platform for unity, raising awareness and making collaborative efforts on sustainable solutions that bring the nation closer to achieving zero hunger by 2030.

In an effort to curb the effects of food insecurity, Nexus Hospitality Strategies, alongside TMN Corner Kitchen, hosted a food drive on Wednesday during which food was handed out at Dagbreek Project School and the Association of Senior Citizens.

Founder and chef of TMN Corner Kitchen Tiree Ngaujake this week told Desert Radio that World Food Day raises awareness of food insecurity.

“If we don’t take advantage of that situation, we lose opportunities. This has to be part of our conversations every day,” she said.

Head manager of Nexus Hospitality Strategies Kibet Temur said the collaboration was due to a common mission – to help those in need.

“You need to stop asking what the government can do for you, and start asking yourself what you can do for the government.” he said.

He said food businesses should have a programme in place involving that a percentage of the food they produce be donated to orphanages and shelters.

REMEDIES

According to the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the 35 197 malnourished Namibians require 8 200 boxes of ready-to-use therapeutic food.

To implement this, the government needs about N$47 million, the ministry said.

To assist with relief, the World Food Programme requires N$6.5 billion for southern Africa to provide food and cash assistance to over 6.5 million people across the region until March 2025.

Similarly, the Namibian Red Cross Society requires N$140 million to provide essential aid to 140 000 Namibians suffering from food insecurity in the five regions hardest hit by drought.

The Kavango West, Zambezi, Omusati, Ohangwena and Kunene regions have been identified as the areas hardest hit by drought.

The World Health Organisation says that as of 30 August, the government has received 56 875kg of meat for distressed Namibians.