Namibia Maintains Cholera-Free Status for Over a Decade Amid Climatic Threats
Namibia has not reported any cholera cases in the last ten years, according to Ben Nangombe of the Health Ministry. However, climate change poses ongoing risks, affecting water and sanitation. The WHO has reported cholera outbreaks in multiple African countries, raising cross-border concerns. Namibia continues to implement policies and collaborate on preparedness strategies to prevent future outbreaks. Richard Banda from WHO highlighted the progress made in cholera treatment and ongoing initiatives.
Over the past decade, Namibia has reported no cases of cholera, according to Ben Nangombe, the Executive Director of the Health Ministry. Although the absence of cases is promising, Nangombe cautioned that climate change continues to pose a significant threat throughout Africa, increasing the risk of potential outbreaks. He noted that complacency could undermine the nation’s defense against this waterborne disease.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified cholera outbreaks in 18 African countries in 2024, particularly highlighting severe incidents in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Malawi, South Sudan, and Zimbabwe. Additionally, neighboring Angola has alerted its population about possible cholera cases, raising concerns of cross-border transmission.
Nangombe pointed out that extreme climatic events, such as flooding and droughts, have disrupted water and sanitation services in Africa, thus fostering conditions conducive to cholera proliferation. For instance, the El Niño phenomenon caused significant droughts in Zambia and Zimbabwe, while countries like Kenya and Tanzania faced devastating floods and landslides.
Namibia has enacted various policies to enhance public health safety, such as the National Action Plan for Health Security and the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response Technical Guidelines. Furthermore, the country has introduced the National Multi-Hazard Health Emergencies Preparedness and Response Plan to meet international health regulations, which has proven effective in preventing cholera.
However, Nangombe emphasized the necessity for ongoing investments in water, sanitation, hygiene infrastructure, disease surveillance, and community involvement. At a recent three-day workshop led by WHO experts, stakeholders convened to identify high-risk areas and bolster Namibia’s readiness against cholera outbreaks.
Collaborative efforts were encouraged to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses hot spots while securing all regions. Nangombe called for thorough validation of vulnerability factors identified by health districts to ensure that the national cholera response is based on scientific evidence.
Richard Banda, WHO’s representative to Namibia, remarked on the history of cholera pandemics, emphasizing the effective treatments developed over time. He reminded participants that WHO member states adopted the Global Roadmap in 2018, aiming to control cholera globally and regionally, with 47 African countries participating in the initiative. Banda expressed confidence in the workshop’s potential to utilize available resources and tools to prevent further cholera-related deaths.
In summary, Namibia has successfully managed to remain cholera-free for over ten years, although the threat persists due to climate change. The importance of ongoing investment in health infrastructure and collaboration among various stakeholders is essential for continued prevention efforts. Concerted strategic planning and scientific validation will play key roles in ensuring Namibia can combat any potential outbreaks effectively, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to a cholera-free future.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
