News / Africa
Nine die of malaria, 425 cases reported
17 Feb 2016 at 05:48hrs | Views
NINE people died of malaria in the northern regions by Wednesday last week while 425 cases have been reported, said health minster Bernard Haufiku.
The Namibian reported that Haufiku was speaking in Windhoek during a parliamentary presentation last week.
He said the ministry is calling on all Namibians and those travelling to the northern part of the country to take all necessary precautions to prevent malaria.
Haufiku said malaria cases have increased across the southern African region in recent years, despite the former health minister Richard Kamwi who is also the ambassador of the 'Elimination 8' initiative in southern Africa, having said progress was being made before he handed over last year.
The E8 are Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Angola, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
In Haufiku's statement, it shows that in 2013 Namibia recorded over 4 000 cases and in 2014 15 000 cases. Over 10 000 cases were reported last year.
"Compared to previous years, increased cases are specifically reported in Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana and Oshikoto regions," Haufiku said.
He said the malaria symptoms include fever, headache, muscle or joint pain, chills and sweating, fatigue, nausea and vomiting.
"Community members experiencing the symptoms listed above are urged to immediately visit the nearest health facility for care," Haufiku advised.
The minister said as preventative measures, the ministry conducts household spraying with insecticides free of charge to reduce the mosquito populations that are responsible for malaria transmission.Insecticide-treated mosquito nets are also distributed free of charge to all populations in the affected regions.
For personal protection, communities are advised to use repellents, clean water around the household to prevent mosquito breeding and wear long sleeves to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Haufiku said the ministry has secured enough anti-malaria medicines, and all health facilities are well stocked to treat all patients diagnosed with malaria.
"Malaria elimination is the responsibility all Namibians," he asserted.
The Namibian reported that Haufiku was speaking in Windhoek during a parliamentary presentation last week.
He said the ministry is calling on all Namibians and those travelling to the northern part of the country to take all necessary precautions to prevent malaria.
Haufiku said malaria cases have increased across the southern African region in recent years, despite the former health minister Richard Kamwi who is also the ambassador of the 'Elimination 8' initiative in southern Africa, having said progress was being made before he handed over last year.
The E8 are Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Angola, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
In Haufiku's statement, it shows that in 2013 Namibia recorded over 4 000 cases and in 2014 15 000 cases. Over 10 000 cases were reported last year.
"Compared to previous years, increased cases are specifically reported in Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana and Oshikoto regions," Haufiku said.
He said the malaria symptoms include fever, headache, muscle or joint pain, chills and sweating, fatigue, nausea and vomiting.
"Community members experiencing the symptoms listed above are urged to immediately visit the nearest health facility for care," Haufiku advised.
The minister said as preventative measures, the ministry conducts household spraying with insecticides free of charge to reduce the mosquito populations that are responsible for malaria transmission.Insecticide-treated mosquito nets are also distributed free of charge to all populations in the affected regions.
For personal protection, communities are advised to use repellents, clean water around the household to prevent mosquito breeding and wear long sleeves to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Haufiku said the ministry has secured enough anti-malaria medicines, and all health facilities are well stocked to treat all patients diagnosed with malaria.
"Malaria elimination is the responsibility all Namibians," he asserted.
Source - The Namibian
