Ndiyona: Historian and academic, Dr. Shampapi Shiremo has called for a comprehensive academic investigation into recurring food poisoning incidents in the Ndiyona Constituency of the Kavango East Region. Speaking to Nampa on the sidelines of a consultative meeting held in Ndiyona on Saturday, Shiremo expressed deep concern over the incidents.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the meeting brought together key stakeholders to address the troubling events in the constituency. In 2023, 16 people died in Kayova village due to suspected food poisoning, with an additional four suspected deaths reported in the wider Ndiyona area between 2023 and 2025.

'I came here as a resident and a concerned citizen. However, we as academics have been discussing that a crisis of this magnitude warrants a thorough and systematic academic investigation,' Shiremo said. He stressed that such an investigation should examine all aspects of food safety and food poisoning within both the Ndiyona and Ndonga Linena constituencies.

'These incidents are highly unusual. People are desperate for answers, but none seem to be forthcoming. That's why we, particularly myself from the University of Namibia and fellow academics from other institutions, propose that a formal study be commissioned,' he noted. Shiremo described the food poisoning incidents as a public health emergency, stating they appear to be escalating into a full-blown crisis.

'It's alarming to hear repeated reports of food poisoning in the same area. That's what compelled me to be part of this meeting - to listen directly to the affected communities,' he said. He added that such consultative meetings are vital and should be held regularly to ensure community voices are heard and solutions developed collaboratively.

Meanwhile, the Governor of the Kavango East Region, Hamunyera Hambyuka expressed support for the proposed academic investigation. He welcomed collaboration with scholars, stating they are free to engage with his office at any time.