Auleria Wakudumo
Victoria Immanuel
Namibia has recorded a steady increase in malaria cases across several parts of the country, particularly in Zambezi, Kavango, Oshana, Ohangwena and Omusati regions.
Health authorities attribute the rise to seasonal factors such as floodwater and community refusal of indoor residual spraying (IRS) in their homes, while community members blame the government for failing to provide sufficient mosquito nets.
Health ministry spokesperson Walter Kamaya said the Zambezi region has recorded a steady increase in malaria cases in 2026.
“A total of 10 330 confirmed malaria cases were recorded from January to date, with
1 719 cases reported in the latest week, showing that cases are still increasing,” Kamaya said. The report shows that 98.6% of the cases are locally transmitted, meaning people were infected within the region, while only 1.4% are imported from outside.
So far, 467 patients have been admitted, with 68 new admissions recorded in the latest week. Kamaya said that a total of nine deaths have been reported this year in Zambezi, which is slightly higher than the seven deaths recorded during the same period last year. However, the case fatality rate remains low at 0.09%, showing that most patients are recovering with treatment.
Oshana
Oshana health director Johanna Haimene has confirmed an increase in malaria cases in the region. She also attributed the rise to rainfall, warmer temperatures, and increased movement of people after the festive season, as well as seasonal labour migration for cattle herders and domestic workers.
The highest number of cases were recorded at Intermediate Hospital with 39 cases, followed by Oshakati Health Centre with 32, Oniipa (Ou Nick) Health Centre with 23, Okatana Health Centre with 21 and Ondangwa Health Centre with 17.
“All constituencies in the region are affected, with Oshakati East, Oshakati West, Okatana, Ondangwa and Ongwediva identified as the most impacted areas,” Haimene stated. Meanwhile, pregnant women at Okahao Maternity Waiting Ward say they are struggling to cope with mosquito infestation, raising concern over their safety amid the rising malaria cases.
Expectant mothers
Heavily pregnant women staying at the facility say they are enduring sleepless nights as mosquitoes continue to torment them, while no mosquito nets have been provided despite the health risks they face.
Aina Shaanika from Otamanzi said nights at the ward have become unbearable due to the constant mosquito bites.
“We are suffering here because of mosquitoes. At night we hardly sleep because they are everywhere. We are heavily pregnant and already uncomfortable, but now we also must fight mosquitoes the whole night,” she said. Shaanika added that the women expected better protection, especially considering their vulnerable condition. “As pregnant women, we thought the hospital would at least provide mosquito nets for us. It is difficult enough carrying a pregnancy, and the mosquitoes make it even worse. We fear getting sick while waiting to deliver,” she said. Another expectant mother, Salti Kashupi from Amarika, shared similar concerns, saying the situation leaves them feeling neglected.
“It feels like no one is thinking about our situation. We stay here for days waiting to give birth, but there are no mosquito nets. At night the mosquitoes bite us continuously, and we cannot rest,” Kashupi said. She added that many of the women spend the night trying to cover themselves with blankets to avoid the bites.
“We try to protect ourselves with blankets, but it is not enough. Sometimes you wake up with mosquito bites all over your body. It is very uncomfortable, especially when you are heavily pregnant,” she said.
Martha Tuhafeni from Etakambaye also expressed concern about the potential health risks.
“We are worried because mosquitoes can cause diseases. Being pregnant already makes you weak, and now we must deal with this every night. It is painful and stressful for us,” she said. Tuhafeni said the women hope the health facility will urgently provide mosquito nets to improve their living conditions while they wait to deliver.
“We are asking the hospital to please assist us with mosquito nets so that we can at least sleep peacefully while waiting for our babies,” she said.
Concern
Furthermore, health executive director Penda Ithindi lamented that some community members are choosing to rely on mosquito nets instead of allowing indoor IRS in their homes. This resistance, he said, is mainly driven by myths and misunderstandings.
“Some people believe mosquito nets work better than spraying, while others think mosquitoes do not die from spraying. In some areas, when spray teams arrive, households lock their structures and refuse access without giving reasons,” he said.
Ithindi noted that while this resistance is not new, it has become more common in recent years. Despite this, he emphasised that indoor residual spraying remains a key method in preventing malaria, especially in high-risk areas.
“Community involvement is very important for the success of indoor spraying and other malaria control programmes,” he said. The ministry is urging communities to cooperate with malaria control efforts. Residents are also encouraged to allow indoor residual spraying teams into their homes when their villages are targeted, as part of prevention measures.
The public is advised to take personal precautions, including wearing long-sleeved clothing at night, keeping the environment clean, and using mosquito repellents. Communities are further urged to eliminate stagnant water and potential mosquito breeding sites.