The Ministry of Health and Social Services has rolled out an indoor residual spraying (IRS) campaign in 21 targeted malaria endemic districts to combat malaria in Namibia.
According to a media statement issued on Thursday, Namibia has achieved a remarkable decline in malaria cases over the past decade. Many people however continue to be at risk of acquiring malaria.
The statement further noted that malaria remains a life-threatening disease caused by parasites and transmitted to a person through a bite from an infected female anopheles mosquito.
Figures from the health ministry show that in 2020, Namibia recorded over 13 600 confirmed malaria cases and over 40 malaria deaths. The Kavango East, Kavango West, Ohangwena and Zambezi regions collectively accounted for 85 per cent of cases and deaths.
The spraying campaign, which is conducted yearly between September and December just before the rainy season and the malaria peak season, will this year cover nine regions namely Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Kavango East, Kavango West, Otjozondjupa, Omusati, Kunene, Oshana and Zambezi.
It involves spraying insecticides on the inside walls of homes to kill malaria-transmitting mosquitoes, thus providing protection for communities residing in sprayed areas.
According to the statement, the campaign is carried out in close collaboration with local authority, and community members are urged to support the campaign by allowing health officials and spray operators to enter their homes for insecticide spraying.
“The public is also encouraged to use personal protective measures against malaria, which include wearing long-sleeved clothing, using mosquito repellents and sleeping under a long-lasting insecticide treated net when sleeping indoors as well as outdoors,” the statement said.
Communities are also urged to recognise malaria signs and symptoms, as well as to immediately seek treatment at the nearest health facility if the suspect that they have malaria. The signs and symptoms include fever, chills, general body pains, headache, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, tiredness, loss of appetite, as well as pale/yellow eyes.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency
