The Ministry of Health and Social Services has confirmed eight malaria cases in Windhoek.
This is according to health ministry spokesperson Walter Kamaya.
“Six cases are complicated. The cases were reported during the period from 14 to 22 April. No deaths were reported,” says Kamaya.
“There are a few cases at Katutura Hospital. These could have been brought in by people who travelled to malaria-endemic areas over the Easter holiday,” Kamaya said during an interview with Desert FM yesterday afternoon.
He added that while the capital has not reached outbreak levels, residents are urged to take preventative measures seriously.
Regions such as the Zambezi, Kavango East and West, Ohangwena and Omusati, as well as areas along Okongo, continue to report a surge in malaria infections.
Kamaya added that while Windhoek remains classified as a low-risk zone, recent rainfall, stagnant water, and tall grass have created favourable breeding conditions for mosquitoes.
“We cannot say Windhoek is completely isolated or unaffected,” he cautioned.
He said the recent movement of people from high-risk areas to the city is likely the main reason for the reported cases.
“Our message to everybody is that we must all be on our toes and adhere to prevention measures,” he said.
According to the health ministry, all public health facilities, including those in Windhoek, have been activated to detect and treat malaria early.
“We are working to ensure all facilities are equipped with medicine and testing tools so that we are able to diagnose and restore people’s health as quickly as possible,” he said.
While he downplayed the suggestion of a malaria outbreak in Windhoek, Kamaya said climate change and urban migration could be influencing a shift in Namibia’s malaria map.
“We are not yet at the level where we should panic, but we should be concerned. Movement of people is what has changed, and that plays a role in where malaria cases appear,” he said.
Recently, The Namibian reported on nine people that died from malaria in the Ohangwena region.
The region is grappling with a severe malaria outbreak with over 5 000 cases reported to date.
Health officials are alarmed and urging visitors to take necessary precautions to safeguard their health.
The region’s health director, Robert Nandjila, says Eenhana is currently experiencing the highest concentration of malaria cases in the region, with many infections originating from areas near Namibia’s border with Angola.
Nandjila says the challenges posed by inadequate healthcare facilities compel many malaria victims to seek treatment across the border in Namibia.
“Angolan malaria patients are crossing into Namibia daily for treatment. We have a significant number of patients coming from close to the border.”
Nandjila says in response to this public health crisis, the Ministry of Health and Social Services has deployed three teams dedicated to combating malaria through several measures.
The Zambezi region, which is also affected by malaria, reported about 1 891 new cases two weeks ago, bringing the total malaria cases to 15 371, with 14 deaths and 626 hospital admissions since January.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
