Namibia joined the rest of the world in commemorating the World Health Day under the theme ‘universal health coverage: everyone, everywhere’. The protracted Hepatitis E outbreak was the central theme in the speakers’ messages reiterating the urgency to provide water and sanitation services to the urban poor especially those living in informal settlements.

Twenty four  (24) health care workers graduated from a 3 month programme on field epidemiology and laboratory training programme with support from WHO and CDC.  The trainees were selected from health districts affected by the ongoing HEP E virus outbreak.  Although the programme cuts across public health emergencies and threats, the trainees are expected to strengthen surveillance on hepatitis E virus and improve daily reporting of cases.  The training was a response to findings of the WHO Rapid Assessment report which highlighted active case search and weekly reporting

A case of Guinea worm disease (GWD) was confirmed in Angola in June 2018.  The case, an eight-year girl, hails from the Cunene Province in Angola, which borders Ohangwena and Omusati Regions in Namibia.  In response, Angolan authorities, with WHO support, carried out further case searches in three southern provinces of the country, including Cunene.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services has recommitted itself to ending the Hepatitis E virus Outbreak which has claimed 41 lives since December 2017.  A National Health Emergency Management Committee was activated since confirmation of the outbreak and the Ministry has engaged partners and mobilized resources to respond to the outbreak.  Despite these control measures, the disease persists and has now spread to more than 7 of the 14 regions in the country. 

Namibia hosted the 2^nd National Health Assembly on 21 February to take stock of achievements of the past year and coordinate health interventions of partners in the country.  During his opening remarks, the Minister of Health and Social Services, Hon. Dr Kalumbi Shangula, reiterated the government’s commitment towards the health of its people which has translated in major milestones in the health sector.

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Hon. Dr.

Following the full simulation exercise conducted in Rwanda at the beginning of January 2019 to assess Ebola virus disease readiness, preparedness and response capacity in the country, an external joint monitoring mission team, comprising World Health Organization (WHO) specialists and partners relevant to the preparedness efforts in Rwanda, was deployed in the country.
The scope of the joint monitoring mission was to provide additional support to the Republic of Rwanda to: