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Published: Ohangwena, August 24, 2024

While commemorating World Mosquito Day, Namibia officially launched the Namibia Malaria Youth Corps, marking a significant step forward in the country’s ongoing efforts to combat malaria. This launch is particularly crucial as it places the country among the growing list of African nations mobilising their youth to lead the charge against malaria, with a strong focus on the most affected regions such as Zambezi, Kavango East, Ohangwena, and Kavango West.

The event, held in Ohangwena, was attended by Retired Lieutenant General Honourable Sebastian Ndeitunga, Governor of Ohangwena Region, alongside other distinguished government officials, representatives from the Ministry of Health, community-led youth organisations, traditional authorities, and members of the media.

Malaria continues to be a major public health challenge in Namibia, with the most affected regions facing significant pressures on their healthcare systems. With over 12,171 confirmed cases reported in 2024, we cannot afford to be complacent. Today, we empower our youth to take an active role in their communities, driving initiatives that will help us eliminate this deadly disease

Governor Ndeitunga

The launch of the Namibia Malaria Youth Corps comes at a critical time as the country battles increasing inpatient malaria cases, with 1,057 cases reported in 2024 compared to 768 in the previous year. The regions of Kavango East, Ohangwena, and Zambezi continue to report the highest number of cases, contributing significantly to the country’s malaria burden.

The Namibia Malaria Youth Corps will mobilise young Namibians from affected communities to engage in grassroots efforts to combat malaria. These youth champions will work alongside community health workers, who have been pivotal in malaria prevention and treatment across the region. In Ohangwena alone, 143 community health workers have tested and treated malaria cases in remote villages, providing essential health education to nearly 47,587 household members in 2024.

By integrating youth into our national malaria strategy, we are not only addressing immediate health needs but also fostering a generation of leaders who will ensure the sustainability of these efforts.

Honorable Erickson Ndawanifa, Chairperson of the Regional Council and Management Committee

Despite these efforts, challenges remain, including insufficient transport, stockouts of essential commodities like testing materials and medications, and delays in treatment-seeking behaviours among patients. The Namibia Malaria Youth Corps aims to address these challenges by increasing community engagement and ensuring that young people play a central role in the country’s malaria elimination strategy.

This launch aligns with Namibia’s broader commitment to the African Union’s goal of eliminating malaria by 2030 and echoes the continent-wide movement to engage youth in health and development initiatives. Malaria remains a major challenge across Africa, responsible for 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of deaths, with children under five being especially vulnerable. The continent is also at the centre of a perfect storm that threatens to disrupt essential life-saving malaria services and undo decades of progress. These include financial constraints, biological threats such as drug and insecticide resistance, and the intensifying impacts of climate change.

Namibia joins 10 other pioneering countries, including Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Eswatini, Guinea, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria Uganda, and Zambia, in placing youth at the heart of health and development initiatives. By joining this initiative on World Mosquito Day, Namibia reinforces its dedication to combating malaria and protecting the health of its citizens.

About the Namibia Malaria Youth Corps

The Namibia Malaria Youth Corps is an initiative that mobilises young Namibians from high-risk regions to lead community-based efforts in malaria prevention, treatment, and education. Launched in 2024, the Youth Corps works in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Services, community health workers, and local organisations to eliminate malaria and contribute to the broader health and socio-economic development of Namibia.

For more information, please contact:

Ms. Helena Ngaifiwa, ALMA Youth Advisor Namibia

• Email: helenangaifiwa@gmail.com
• Phone: +264 81 710 0204