WINDHOEK – Namibia has been recognised for the second consecutive year for its efforts towards eradicating malaria in the country.
The African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) award was bestowed on Namibia at the opening session of the African Union summit in Ethiopia last week Thursday. Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Richard Kamwi said in an interview with New Era, that the award shows the respect that the international community has for Namibia and the fact that the country’s leadership is putting its resources to good use. “It shows that we are delivering and I am extremely grateful. We remain focused by these developments. It’s an encouragement that if we stick to what we are doing it can be done,” he said.
At independence Namibia reported 700 000 clinical malaria cases. The number reduced to 521 000 in 2001 and by 2012 only 50 malaria cases were reported, with only four malaria related deaths. Kamwi warned that the challenge for the country is its vulnerability, now that there are no longer any malaria vectors in the country. “We can easily get infected and it will be more deadly therefore we must intensify our surveillance,” the minister said. “Microscopes should be used to identify the parasite as soon as possible. We should continue spraying our houses and huts to remain free from malaria.” Pregnant women and children who are 5-years-old in the former malaria prone areas should sleep under insecticide treated nets, Kamwi advised. Other countries that were recognised for their efforts in the fight against malaria are Cape Verde, Madagascar, Malawi, Sao Tome and Principe and Swaziland.
By Alvine Kapitako