Malaria Claims 122 Lives As Cases Spike to 122,000

**Namibia Reports 122 Malaria Deaths and Over 122,000 Cases in 2026**

**DIVUNDU** – Namibia has recorded 122 malaria-related deaths and 122,612 confirmed cases so far this year, according to Minister of Health and Social Services Esperance Luvindao.

The figures were announced during the launch of the 2026 indoor residual spraying campaign in Divundu. Of the total confirmed cases, 99,078 were contracted locally, while 23,354 were imported. Additionally, 9,956 people have required hospital admission due to the disease.

The Kavango East region has been the most affected, reporting 37,488 cases—representing 30.6% of the national total—and 22 deaths. Malaria is currently present in 10 of Namibia’s 14 regions: Zambezi, Kavango East, Kavango West, Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, Kunene, Oshikoto, Omaheke, and Otjozondjupa.

In response to the surge in cases and hospitalizations, the government has initiated a review of its malaria program in collaboration with Roll Back Malaria, the African Leaders Malaria Alliance, and the World Health Organization (WHO).

While the review confirmed that Namibia’s surveillance and diagnostic systems are functioning, with all suspected cases at public health facilities undergoing testing, it identified significant shortcomings in prevention strategies. Specifically, the review noted that indoor residual spraying coverage has remained below the WHO’s 85% target. Other identified gaps include the distribution and utilization of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, the management of mosquito breeding sites, and the monitoring of mosquito populations.

The high volume of cases has also resulted in a backlog of individual case investigations and highlighted a need for improved quality control and supervision of community health workers.

Minister Luvindao stated that the ministry is adjusting its strategy to concentrate resources on high-transmission areas, while investigations into individual cases will be prioritized in regions with lower transmission rates. Furthermore, the government plans to enhance cross-border cooperation with Angola, Zambia, and Botswana to mitigate the influx of imported malaria cases.

As part of the ongoing prevention efforts, the government aims to conduct indoor residual spraying in 1.2 million households across malaria-prone regions.

Article and image source: allafrica.com