According to the New Era Newspaper of Namibia, the country lost its ranking this week as one of the top African nations in combatting malaria. The African Leaders Malaria Alliance recognizes the top 6 nations with greatest control of and reduction in malaria at the African Union Summit. Just two years ago (in 2016), Namibia received this recognition.
The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Bernard Haufiku, blamed citizens who would not allow public health officials to spray anti-mosquito chemicals in their homes. I did not find further information on whether this has been an obstacle in the past (I'm assuming it has been) and how it's been resolved or why it's come up now.
Furthermore, on the topic of malaria- and being cognizant of the fact that we will be traveling to Namibia in the near future- I tried investigating what the risk of malaria is in the nation.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, malaria is present in the regions of the Kavango (East and West), Kunene, Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, and Zambezi. There is no risk for malaria in the Windhoek. Chemoprophylaxis for those planning to travel to these regions is highly recommended, and avoiding mosquitoes is recommended during travel in other regions the nation.
-EM
References
1. https://www.newera.com.na/2018/02/01/namibia-loses-ranking-for-reducing-malaria/
2. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/yellow-fever-malaria-information-by-country/namibia
3. http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/africa/namibia/namibia-malaria-map.aspx
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