Namibia's Commitment to Malaria Elimination

By: Modupe Adeniyi. Freelance Health Reporter.

Map of Southern Africa showing the location of Namibia.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 04,  2024. The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) in Namibia commemorated World Malaria Day on August 14, 2024, in Khorixas, Kunene region. The event aligned with the global theme "Advancing health equity, gender equality and human rights" and the national theme "Ensuring safe communities with zero malaria."

World Malaria Day serves as a crucial reminder of the need for continued investments and sustained political commitment to malaria prevention and control. It also aims to raise awareness about malaria prevention, control and elimination efforts at the national level.

During the event, Khorixas Mayor, Her Worship Honorable Councilor Patience Hoaes, pledged the town's commitment to continue delivering services for the community. She urged communities nationwide to join in creating awareness about malaria prevention and elimination.

Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, Minister of Health and Social Services, took the opportunity to launch three significant national documents: the National Malaria Case Management guidelines, Surveillance guidelines for Malaria Elimination and the National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan 2023-2027. Additionally, the Minister launched the indoor residual spray (IRS) campaign, marking the beginning of this year's spray efforts. IRS has been the primary vector control intervention in Namibia, aimed at reducing adult mosquito vector density and longevity to decrease malaria transmission.

Dr. Shangula emphasized, "Our priority remains anchored on the imperative of strengthening barrier methods such as the promotion of the use of long-lasting insecticide nets and vector control through IRS." He further stated that the MoHSS would continue to enhance case management through regular mentorship of health workers while scaling up surveillance for early detection and treatment of cases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) developed a framework for malaria elimination in 2017, guiding the tools, activities and dynamic strategies to achieve malaria elimination and prevent the re-establishment of transmission. This framework also supports the strategy of subnational verification in countries that have reached elimination in geographically isolated areas.

In a significant achievement, the Khorixas Health District was awarded the Simon Kunene Award by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Elimination 8, an initiative aimed at eliminating malaria in the region. This award recognizes the district's efforts in reducing malaria cases to zero for three consecutive years, marking the first time Namibia has received this honor.

Dr. Richard Banda, WHO Country Representative, highlighted that World Malaria Day allows the government, partners and communities to renew commitments and strengthen malaria interventions. He called on the government, affected communities and partners to continue investing in malaria control and building resilient health systems while strengthening primary health care to ensure quality services are available to all.

Currently, malaria is endemic in 10 out of Namibia's 14 regions: Kavango East, Kavango West, Ohangwena, Zambezi, Omusati, Oshana, Kunene, Oshikoto, Omaheke and Otjozondjupa. The commemoration of World Malaria Day and the initiatives launched demonstrate Namibia's ongoing commitment to achieving malaria elimination and ensuring the health and well-being of its citizens.

Source: World Health Organization Newsroom.

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Published: SEPTEMBER 4, 2024

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