Windhoek
In light of the recent increasing cases of malaria reported in the Ohangwena Region, Standard Bank was the first banking institution to jump to the aid of preventing the spread of this disease by donating 200 mosquito nets to the Ohangwena Regional Health Directorate.
According to the latest media reports the Ohangwena Region recorded 427 cases in January 2016 compared to 110 in January 2014 and 45 in January 2015. More malaria cases were also recorded at health facilities between Onuno-Okongo road and the Namibia/Angolan border and Omafo-Okalongo road, Engela hospital, Engela clinic, Odibo health centre, Hamukoto waKappa clinic (Onamunama) and Ongha health centre.
It is against this background that Standard Bank donated 200 chemically treated mosquito nets which will be distributed to the communities in the malaria-infected areas. Standard Bank’s Board Company Secretary and Head of Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Sigrid Tjijorokisa said that as a responsible corporate citizen Standard Bank saw the need to assist in the fight against malaria in the north.
“As a bank we are really here for our Namibian people and we therefore want to be at the forefront of being part of the solution especially in fighting malaria in our country. We hope that these mosquito nets will reach the affected people who need it the most as we have the nation and all Namibians at heart,” said Tjijorokisa.
In response Ohangwena Regional Health Director John Hango welcomed the kind gesture saying it has come at the right time, adding that malaria cases have been increasing in the region and are becoming quite serious with the number of deaths especially along the Namibia/Angola border.
“In January malaria cases have increased right from Okongo to Engela. However, we have undertaken multiple preventative measures like the spraying of malaria-infected water places 10 kilometres from the border, information awareness sessions, providing treatment to those infected and regular patrols by our senior health officials. The disease has affected more men than women. Thank you
Standard Bank for this kind donation, it will really make a positive difference to our people in the region,” said Hango.
He also encouraged communities not to use misuse the mosquito nets for fishing, but rather for the preventative purpose it’s meant for in the fight against malaria.
Health managers of the three district hospitals of Okongo, Engela and Eenhana were also present at the handover of the mosquito nets held on February 19.
– Nampa