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Sampofu rings alarm on malaria misinformation 

Sampofu rings alarm on malaria misinformation 

KATIMA MULILO – Zambezi governor Lawrence Sampofu has urged residents to rely on verified information and work closely with medical professionals as the region grapples with a rising malaria outbreak.

Speaking at the World Health Day commemoration in Katima Mulilo on Monday, he highlighted the importance of community vigilance and unity during a crisis.

“For the past three weeks or so, we have been experiencing an outbreak of malaria. And here, we must work together. We must go to the hospitals,” Sampofu said. 

He cautioned residents against falling prey to misinformation, particularly from self-proclaimed healers and what he termed “fake prophets”, who have been misleading communities.

“We’ve been advised by faith organisations to be aware of false prophets – those who are coming to misinform our people,” he warned. 

“The Zambezi Regional Pastors Forum was at my office last week to alert us about the mushrooming of such churches,” the governor revealed. Zambezi region is in the grip of a severe malaria outbreak, with health officials recording an alarming rise in cases since late 2024. Regional health director Woito Kapumburu said suspected malaria cases have skyrocketed to 37 700, with 11 168 confirmed infections between 9 and 30 March 2025.

“The situation is critical. We have recorded 423 hospital admissions and nine deaths so far,” he said. He highlighted that 98.6% of infections are local transmissions.

While the fatality rate remains low at 0.07%, the rapid spread of the disease is overwhelming health facilities. 

With over 34 900 suspected cases reported in 2025 alone, the need for urgent intervention is growing. Kapumburu confirmed that the Zambezi Health Directorate had officially briefed the Zambezi Regional Council on the outbreak on 2 April. 

He noted that coordinated efforts between health authorities, traditional leaders and religious institutions are vital.

“We urge the public to trust our health professionals, and make use of the health facilities available. Malaria is a serious, yet preventable and treatable disease,” Sampofu stressed. -anakale@nepc.com.na