WINDHOEK, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Namibia recorded 5,921 new malaria cases and eight deaths between May 5 and 11, marking a 12-percent decrease from the previous week, according to the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
The data, released in the country's latest malaria situation report on Saturday, highlighted continued transmission in several districts in the northern and northeastern regions, which accounted for 71 percent of new cases reported in the week.
Since the start of the outbreak in December 2024, Namibia has reported 76,195 confirmed malaria cases and 132 deaths, the ministry said in the report.
In response, authorities are maintaining vector control activities, such as the treatment of mosquito breeding sites, while strengthening risk communication efforts through local radio and community outreach, the ministry added.
However, the ministry noted that the response continues to face challenges, including insufficient transportation, medical staff shortages, and delayed data reporting in some districts.
Efforts are underway to procure more insecticide-treated nets and pharmaceuticals, as well as deploy additional data clerks and health personnel, the ministry said.
