Patience Makwele
The declaration of an end to the cholera outbreak that claimed one life and infected 82 people over nearly five months has prompted health authorities to warn that Namibia remains at risk of future outbreaks unless vigilance is maintained.
In a statement, health and social services minister Dr Esperance Luvindao on Monday officially declared the outbreak over after more than 28 consecutive days without a confirmed cholera case in either the Grootfontein Health District in the Otjozondjupa region or the Opuwo Health District in the Kunene region, in line with the International Health Regulations (2005).
According to Luvindao the outbreak began on 19 November 2025 when the first laboratory-confirmed case was detected in Grootfontein.
It later spread to Opuwo, where two additional confirmed cases were confirmed on 26 January 2026.
Speaking to the Windhoek Observer health expert Nalucha Buchane welcomed the declaration, describing it as an important milestone but cautioned that cholera remains a disease that can quickly return if sanitation and surveillance efforts weaken.
“Declaring the outbreak over does not mean the risk has disappeared. Cholera thrives where access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene is compromised. Maintaining surveillance, community awareness and rapid response systems is just as important after an outbreak as it is during one,” Buchane said.
She said Namibia should use the experience to strengthen disease surveillance, improve water and sanitation infrastructure, particularly in vulnerable communities, and ensure health facilities remain prepared to respond quickly should new cases emerge.
Between November 2025 and April 2026, the ministry of health recorded 282 suspected cholera cases, of which 82 were laboratory confirmed.
Grootfontein accounted for 52 confirmed infections while Opuwo recorded 30. One person died during the outbreak.
“We express our sincere condolences to the bereaved family,” Luvindao said.
She said the ministry immediately activated emergency response systems at national, regional and district levels after the first confirmed case, allowing for the rapid mobilisation of resources and implementation of emergency public health measures.
“The mobilisation of required resources to implement public health interventions was jointly achieved together with stakeholders and partners, ensuring a coordinated multi-sectoral response,” she said.
The last confirmed cholera case in Grootfontein was recorded on 18 February while Opuwo reported its final case on 22 March.
After completing the required 28-day surveillance period without any new confirmed infections, the ministry declared the outbreak over.
Luvindao credited the successful containment of the outbreak to collaboration between government institutions and international partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC), UNICEF and Germany’s Robert Koch Institute.
She also acknowledged the support of the Office of the Prime Minister, the ministries responsible for agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform, education, urban and rural development, finance, as well as regional councils and local authorities.
Despite the declaration, Luvindao cautioned that the end of the outbreak should not be mistaken for the elimination of the threat.
“While the current outbreak has been contained, the risk of resurgence remains a constant threat that requires unwavering vigilance from everyone both within Namibia and beyond,” she said.
She urged the public to continue practising good hygiene by drinking safe treated water, disposing of waste properly and washing hands thoroughly with soap and clean running water, particularly before handling food and after using the toilet.
The minister also encouraged communities to seek medical attention immediately at the first signs of illness, saying early detection remains essential to preventing the spread of cholera and other waterborne diseases.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the public and affected communities for your continued cooperation and support of our public health interventions. Your proactive involvement is a cornerstone of outbreak control,” Luvindao said.
She said the ministry remains committed to strengthening disease surveillance, improving early detection systems and ensuring rapid responses to future public health emergencies.
