EDITORIAL: Malaria rears its ugly head again
Namibia has over the years fought tooth and nail to bring malaria cases under control, but it seems we have recently let our guard down.
The intense community programmes aimed at keeping the deadly disease at bay have seemingly disappeared over the years. It therefore comes as no surprise that we recorded over 12 000 cases as well as 28 malaria-related deaths this year.
The health authorities must increase malaria prevention campaigns before the situation gets out of hand. With official weather forecast data predicting above-average rainfall during the upcoming rainy season, and considering the fact that malaria thrives during such conditions, we cannot allow ourselves to be caught with our pants down.
As a country, we must recognise the need for continued investments and sustained political commitment to malaria prevention and control.
The World Health Organisation announced earlier this year that malaria is endemic in 10 out of the 14 regions of Namibia: Kavango East, Kavango West, Ohangwena, Zambezi, Omusati, Oshana, Kunene, Oshikoto, Omaheke and Otjozondjupa.
It would be catastrophic for our health authorities to rest on their laurels due to the fact that malaria is endemic in 70% of the country. The main objective should be to eliminate the disease everywhere - for once and for all.
The intense community programmes aimed at keeping the deadly disease at bay have seemingly disappeared over the years. It therefore comes as no surprise that we recorded over 12 000 cases as well as 28 malaria-related deaths this year.
The health authorities must increase malaria prevention campaigns before the situation gets out of hand. With official weather forecast data predicting above-average rainfall during the upcoming rainy season, and considering the fact that malaria thrives during such conditions, we cannot allow ourselves to be caught with our pants down.
As a country, we must recognise the need for continued investments and sustained political commitment to malaria prevention and control.
The World Health Organisation announced earlier this year that malaria is endemic in 10 out of the 14 regions of Namibia: Kavango East, Kavango West, Ohangwena, Zambezi, Omusati, Oshana, Kunene, Oshikoto, Omaheke and Otjozondjupa.
It would be catastrophic for our health authorities to rest on their laurels due to the fact that malaria is endemic in 70% of the country. The main objective should be to eliminate the disease everywhere - for once and for all.
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Namibian Sun
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