WINDHOEK, Aug. 2 — Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) stated Tuesday that dwindling financial support and inadequate resources are posing significant roadblocks in the fight against malaria.
Speaking at a meeting to review the progress towards achieving goals and targets, MoHSS Executive Director Ben Nangombe emphasized that the lack of funding and essential tools is creating a critical situation and threatening to impede the progress made so far in the battle against this deadly disease.
Nangombe said that Namibia has made considerable strides in combating malaria, significantly reducing the disease burden on the country over the past decade, adding that efforts such as indoor residual spraying (IRS) and the introduction of new rapid diagnostic tools and drugs contributed to this progress.
Nangombe, however, noted that the incidence of malaria in Namibia has recently plateaued, with sporadic outbreaks reported in some regions due to heavy rainfall which provides favourable breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Insecticide resistance and logistical challenges, including insecticide availability and delivery delays, have also posed additional hurdles, he said.
He also stressed the need for reaffirming commitments, setting new targets and implementing interventions to achieve them for the country to meet its goal of eliminating malaria by 2027.
Namibia’s National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan had initially aimed for malaria elimination by 2022 but faced challenges that necessitated a revised goal of achieving elimination by 2027. The new plan prioritizes strengthening malaria surveillance, intersectoral collaboration, advocacy for resource mobilization, and capacity building at various levels.
In 2022, Namibia saw positive progress in fighting malaria, with the number of cases reduced to below five per 1,000 people at risk in most health districts. (Xinhua)
