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Namibia records about 6 000 malaria cases, 28 deaths since December

Namibia is grappling with a malaria outbreak that has resulted in nearly 6 000 cases, including hundreds of hospitalisations and several deaths.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services says it has recorded 5 898 malaria cases, including 840 hospital admissions and 28 deaths, between December 2024 and 19 January 2025.

Of this amount, 3 493 cases were locally transmitted and 2 496 were imported cases, executive director of health and social services Ben Nangombe said at a media conference on Friday.

He said Namibia usually experiences seasonal malaria transmission peaks in December which last until late April.

Nangome said 20 out of 26 malaria-endemic districts have surpassed the epidemic threshold and are currently experiencing outbreaks.

The most affected districts include Eenhana in the Ohangwena region, which reported 24% of the total number of cases, Okongo (in the Ohangwena region) with 13%, Engela (in the Ohangwena region) with 13%, Nkurenkuru in the Kavango West region with 12%, and Outapi in the Omusati region, which reported 10% of the total cases.

“More than half of the Namibian population live in malaria-endemic areas, particularly the rural communities. Some groups, communities or demographics are considered to be at higher risk of developing complicated malaria due to delayed access to health services,” Nangombe said.

To address the outbreak, the ministry has activated emergency response mechanisms, including intensified transmission control, enhanced surveillance, risk communication, community engagement, and cross-border collaboration.

“We call on all Namibians and travellers to malaria-endemic regions to take all the necessary precautions to prevent malaria infections,” Nangombe said.

He urged those on malaria treatment to complete the full course even if their symptoms appear to clear up, and warned against sharing medication.

Malaria symptoms include fever, headache, muscle or joint pain, chills, sweating, fatigue, nausea and vomiting.

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