Namibia has not recorded any cholera cases in ten years, as shared by Ben Nangombe, the health ministry’s executive director. However, he cautioned against complacency, highlighting climate change as a factor exacerbating cholera threats. The WHO reports ongoing cholera outbreaks across many African countries, with Namibia focusing on strategic preparedness to mitigate risks and bolster public health infrastructure.
In a recent statement, the executive director of Namibia’s health ministry, Ben Nangombe, reported that there have been no recorded cases of cholera in Namibia over the past decade. He provided these updates during a cholera elimination validation workshop, underscoring that despite the absence of cases, the threat of cholera persists, particularly in light of climate change which can exacerbate outbreaks across the African continent.
Nangombe indicated that complacency represents the greatest challenge in combating cholera. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has documented cholera outbreaks across 18 African countries in 2024, with alarming cases noted in nations including Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and others. Furthermore, neighbouring Angola has issued alerts, raising concerns of possible cross-border cholera transmission.
He emphasized that climate-related extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, have severely impacted water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure across Africa, fostering conditions favorable for cholera outbreaks. For instance, the El Niño phenomenon in 2024 resulted in droughts in Zambia and Zimbabwe, while heavy rains caused significant flooding in Kenya and Tanzania.
To combat public health threats, Namibia has enacted multiple policies, including the National Action Plan for Health Security and the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response Technical Guidelines. Additionally, the National Multi-Hazard Health Emergencies Preparedness and Response Plan has been launched, reflecting alignment with international health regulations.
Nangombe articulated that ongoing investment in infrastructure related to water, sanitation, and hygiene is crucial. The three-day workshop, facilitated by WHO experts, aims to strengthen preparedness and response strategies while identifying high-risk areas for cholera outbreaks, involving various stakeholders from government and international organizations.
He noted the importance of collaborative efforts to create a strategic plan that addresses potential outbreak hotspots while fortifying regions against cholera. Nangombe called for rigorous validation of vulnerability factors identified by health districts, insisting upon a foundation of scientific evidence for the national cholera response plan.
WHO representative Richard Banda highlighted the historical context of cholera pandemics, indicating that the first global epidemic occurred in the 19th century, leading to six pandemics that have resulted in millions of fatalities. He reaffirmed that every cholera-related death is preventable with current available tools and resources developed by WHO.
Banda reiterated WHO’s commitment to supporting emergency preparedness efforts in partnership with stakeholders, emphasizing collaboration would play a pivotal role in ensuring health safety across Namibia and beyond.
In summary, Namibia has proudly reported no cholera cases over the past decade, attributed to proactive health strategies and policies. However, threats from climate change necessitate continued vigilance and investment in public health infrastructure. The recent workshop aims to enhance preparedness against future outbreaks, demonstrating a commitment to a cholera-free future for Namibia and the continent. The collaboration among various stakeholders, alongside WHO’s resources, will be essential in combating this persistent health threat.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
