Namibia Launches National Plan to Mitigate Growing Disaster Risks

Namibia has launched a National Multi-Hazard Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (2024) to address increasing biological, technological, societal, and environmental hazards. The plan aims to improve emergency preparedness, including disease surveillance and public awareness. Health Minister Kalumbi Shangula advocates for cross-sector engagement to enhance public health safety. The initiative responds to ongoing concerns regarding climate change’s impact and previous public health crises in the country.

Namibia is increasingly confronted with various hazards, including biological, technological, societal, and environmental risks. In response to these threats, the country has introduced the National Multi-Hazard Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (2024), which aims to enhance emergency preparedness and response capabilities, thereby safeguarding lives, the economy, infrastructure, and the environment.

The National Multi-Hazard Plan outlines specific risks and strategies for responding to hazards. A risk assessment carried out by a multisectoral team, utilizing the WHO Strategic Tool for Assessing Risk (Star) in 2021, informed the development of this plan. Previous evaluations, including the 2017 Threat Hazard Identification Risk Assessment and the 2019 Vulnerability Risk Assessment, yielded consistent findings.

Identifying key biological hazards, the response plan includes diseases such as cholera, Ebola, and Covid-19, alongside several other infectious diseases. Additionally, significant natural hazards, including earthquakes, droughts, and wildfires, have been acknowledged. The document also assesses various technological and societal risks, such as mine accidents and sewage issues, which pose a threat to public safety.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services, in partnership with diverse stakeholders, is tasked with implementing response measures. Key actions will include enhancing disease surveillance systems, improving emergency infrastructures, and promoting public awareness to mitigate disaster risks effectively.

Health Minister Kalumbi Shangula has emphasized the importance of this plan, advocating for cross-sector participation in its realization. He states, “This framework will ensure that Namibia is well prepared to detect, respond to, and recover from any public health emergency, ultimately protecting lives and livelihoods.”

This initiative comes amid heightened concerns regarding Namibia’s vulnerability to climate change, rapid urban growth, and ongoing economic instability. Past public health crises, including hepatitis E outbreaks and challenges stemming from Covid-19, further underscore the urgency of this plan. Other significant issues include water contamination in informal settlements and rising mental health challenges associated with climate-induced displacement.

In conclusion, Namibia’s National Multi-Hazard Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (2024) evidently addresses a spectrum of biological, technological, societal, and environmental risks. This comprehensive inquiry into potential hazards demonstrates the government’s commitment to enhance emergency preparedness and response. Key measures will include strengthening health infrastructure and fostering public awareness, reflecting a proactive approach towards safeguarding the nation’s health and well-being in the face of escalating challenges.

Original Source: www.namibian.com.na