OKANKOLO: Oshikoto region health director Joshua Nghipangelwa has raised a concern about the rising cases of malaria amongst Angolan cattle herders employed by local farmers.

Nghipangelwa in an interview with NAMPA on Wednesday pointed out that most malaria cases are imported from Angola through cattle herders that are employed by local farmers.

‘Most of the cases recorded in the region are imported from Angola through their nationals that come to look after our cattle,’ he said and urged all the farmers to have their cattle herders tested, to reduce such cases in the region.

He said a total of 354 malaria cases and three deaths were recorded from January to 26 March 2024 and most cases were reported in the Onandjokwe District Hospital.

‘The males have reported many cases and the most affected age group is between 15 to 35 years old,’ said Nghipangelwa.

He also highlighted several challenges they face in preventing malaria in the region such as the limited testing kits due to the high number of suspected
cases as well as late presentation at health facilities.

He added that there is an inadequate availability of insecticide for indoor residual spraying and a limited stock of long-lasting insecticidal nets.

‘Our community members tend to ignore information on malaria prevention,’ he said.

Source:The Namibia Press Agency