OMHALAPAPA – Ohangwena governor Sebastian Ndeitunga has revealed that his region has recorded 18 deaths due to malnutrition this year alone. 

Malnutrition has been confirmed as a serious problem in Ohangwena, which has also led to 270 hospitalisations.

Ndeitunga revealed this during the handover of a four-classroom block and a storeroom constructed by the Government of Japan at Ndadi Primary School at the Omhalapapa village in the Omundaungilo constituency on Wednesday.

Hence, the support from the Japan-funded emergency response mitigates multiple shocks and enhances resilient livelihoods in Namibia, adding that the project will eventually contribute to food security in the region.

“This project, in partnership with the World Food Programme in Namibia, will be implemented in the Kunene and Ohangwena regions for six months,” he said.

He added that the primary goal is to ensure that the drought-affected populations and children most at risk of malnutrition in the two regions can access nutrition.

Meanwhile, Japan’s ambassador to Namibia, Hisao Nishimaki said one of the priority areas the Government of Japan is trying to uplift is the agriculture sector, where 70% of Namibia’s population depend directly and indirectly as a means of livelihood.

Nishimaki made the remarks during a courtesy visit to Ndeitunga on Tuesday, saying this was being done with the collaboration of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

The ambassador is currently visiting key project sites and beneficiaries, assessing the progress made in Ohangwena.

The region benefited from the emergency response to mitigate multiple shocks and enhance resilient livelihoods in Namibia which was funded to the tune of N$22.4 million, as well as an ongoing project at an amount of over N$14.1 million.

Nishimaki said they aim to assist local small-scale farmers in the country, as it is essential for the sustainable development of the country.

“It is for that reason that Japan has been providing support to Namibia in an effort to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods through agricultural development in the northern region,” he said.

He added that both initiatives focus on improving livelihoods, food security and nutrition for vulnerable households, particularly in response to recurrent droughts, climate shock and other challenges.

The project is implemented with the ministry of agriculture for the improvement of basic living conditions of small-scale farmers in the targeted area.

Meanwhile, Ndeitunga acknowledged the support from the Japan Embassy towards the inhabitants, and was also happy to hear that the beneficiaries are putting the materials given to them to good use. -Nampa