Alarming Increase in recorded Malaria Cases

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According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Namibia continues to report a steadily increasing number of Malaria cases. The country reported 13 740 cases in 2021, like the year 2020 and 15 deaths, a decrease from 43 deaths reported in 2020. This year alone, statistics shared in local media and sourced from the district health information system show a total of 6 147 cases recorded between January and March.

Malaria, as defined by WHO is a life-threatening disease that is spread from the female Anopheles mosquito to humans. Symptoms include fever and chills, severe fatigue, confusion, seizures, and difficulty breathing. To diagnose malaria, your doctor will likely review your medical history, recent travels if any, and order blood tests as well as conduct a physical exam. The presence of the plasmodium parasite in the blood will confirm if you have malaria.

Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, was quoted in an article announcing that there have been 630 admissions and 15 deaths in 2024, compared to 287 admissions and six deaths in 2023.

Defeating malaria requires continued raised awareness and the application of preventative measures which include using anti – malaria medicines, long lasting insecticide treated nets, indoor residual spraying and visiting a health care provider when experiencing symptoms.

As World Malaria Day approaches on 25 April under the theme “Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement”, let’s unite in the fight against malaria! #zeromalariastartswithme

Take Part in our Malaria Awareness Quiz and stand a chance to win your share of N$ 1500.00!

Written By:

Delila Katanga

April 16, 2024