Collaboration was highlighted as essential to achieving a malaria-free Namibia during the World Malaria Day commemoration and the launch of the indoor residual spraying campaign in Sibbinda Constituency.

Traditional leaders, together with development partners, including Development Aid from People to People (DAPP) and Faith Leaders Advocacy for Malaria Elimination (FLAME), reiterated the call for joint action. 

Speaking at the event, former health minister and SADC E8 Ambassador Dr. Richard Kamwi said Namibia has everything needed to eliminate malaria, noting the country has done it before. 

Penda Ithindi, Executive Director in the Ministry of Health, explained that the Zambezi Region, particularly Sibbinda Constituency, was selected to host the event because it was the epicentre of the epidemic.

Ithindi also urged residents to adopt preventive measures and to allow teams to carry out indoor residual spraying to curb the disease.

Nationally, reported malaria cases this year totalled 95,729, with the Zambezi Region recording the highest number at 25,065.