Windhoek, 12 August 2010 -- The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has announced the end of the Influenza H1N1 (2009) pandemic, following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of the end of the pandemic on 10 August 2010. The declaration is based on a WHO review of the current global epidemiological data which shows that the situation is stabilizing with the majority of countries indicating that the Influenza H1N1 (2009) virus is transitioning towards seasonal patterns of transmission, while some countries continue to experience significant H1N1 (2009) epidemics such as India and New Zealand.

Similarly in Nambia, the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) and the World Health Organization (OCHA) have noted a steady decline of cases reported. So far this year, nine cases and no deaths were reported. Since the WHO declared the Influenza H1N1 (2009) pandemic on 11 June 2009, cumulatively 81 confirmed cases and one death have were reported in Namibia.

Honourable Minister of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), Dr Richard Nchabi Kamwi says, “We will continue to remain vigilant for the H1N1 virus and similar disease outbreaks and implement outbreak response measures when such events occur. I appreciate the proactive and dedicated services provided by our healthcare workers at health facilities, border posts and the technical support provided by WHO.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) Representative, Dr Magda Robalo said, “It is fortunate that the H1N1 influenza pandemic turned out to be mild and did not mutate to a more lethal form, and that widespread resistance to the vaccine did not develop and proved safe and effective. I also wish to acknowledge the MoHSS and the public for ensuring that we did not experience a more intense pandemic in the country. This is due to the great cooperation received from all sectors and the leadership role played by the Ministry of Health and Social Services.”

The Namibian government encourages people to continue to stay informed about the illness and to protect themselves. People can protect themselves and others from being infected by using cough etiquette (covering mouth when coughing, cough into sleeve when possible, wash hands if coughed/sneezed into them, and trying to avoid touching your eyes or nose when your hands are not clean) and staying home from work or school if feeling ill.
Since the onset of the pandemic in 2009, more than 214 countries have been affected, with nearly 20,000 deaths.

Issued by: Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) & The World Health Organization (WHO)
For more details, contact:

MoHSS        WHO
Public Relations Officer: 
Ms Gladys Kamboo        Communications & Advocacy: 
Michelle Thulkanam
email - gkamboo [at] mhss.gov.natarget="_blank"
Ph- 2032054/0812161330        
email - thulkanamm [at] na.afro.who.int
Ph- 081-4230556