Hertta-Maria Amutenja
A total of 154 people died from malaria in the past eight months. The deaths have increased from 50 in 2024 to 154 this year. This means the country has recorded 204 deaths in two years. Namibia declared a malaria outbreak on 23 December 2024, mainly affecting northern parts of the country.
Health minister Esperance Luvindao said that as of 1 August 2025, 95 412 malaria cases had been recorded nationwide.
She said 8 936 people were hospitalised as a result. Of the total cases, 17 164 were imported from Angola, making up 18% of the total.
Luvindao revealed the data during a press conference on the declaration of the end of cholera and malaria outbreaks.
Namibia experiences seasonal malaria transmission, with peaks from November to June.
About 75% of the population lives in areas at risk.
Luvindao said rapid case detection, prompt treatment, community engagement, and preventive measures were key in containing the outbreak.
“These successes were made possible by the tireless work of health workers, community leaders, partner organisations, and citizens who followed prevention messages,” she said.
She said malaria interventions included indoor residual spraying, treatment of breeding sites, rapid diagnostic testing, and distribution of insecticide-treated nets.
“The end of these outbreaks follows thorough epidemiological assessment and adherence to World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines,” Luvindao said.
She then announced an end to the malaria outbreak.
She also announced the end of the cholera outbreak in Opuwo District, Kunene Region.
The cholera outbreak was declared on 19 June 2025. Eighteen suspected cases were reported, eight were laboratory confirmed, one was epi-linked, and one person died.
“Two clusters were identified: seven confirmed cases in Alpha village, including the fatality on 9 June, and two confirmed cases in Orutjandja settlement.”
The cases included six females and six males.
According to Luvindao, no new cholera cases have been reported for more than 28 days, meeting the required monitoring period to declare the outbreak over.
She said intensified risk communication, water and sanitation interventions, and cross-border collaboration helped stop transmission.
“It is critical for all Namibians to continue practicing good hygiene, use safe water, and seek early treatment for diarrhoea,” she said.
She urged communities targeted for indoor residual spraying to cooperate with health teams.
