Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Pijoo Nganate, the Governor of Omaheke Region has highlighted a rise in malnutrition cases among children, with recent reports revealing an increase.
According to Nganate, the region recorded 300 cases of malnutrition from January to June 2024 which led to 263 hospitalisations, 26 deaths, and 9 readmissions.
Malnutrition claimed the lives of 45 children last year, with 132 cases reported.
Speaking at a high-level meeting addressing uranium mining impacts in the Stampriet transboundary aquifer system on Monday, Nganate stressed the urgency of addressing malnutrition in Namibia.
“More needs to be done to address malnutrition issues. For an independent country like Namibia, malnutrition need not be a problem.”
Earlier this year, Nganate expressed dismay over instances where donated food intended for children was reportedly sold or exchanged for alcohol, exacerbating the crisis.
Nganate attributed part of the problem to child neglect and urged the youth not to leave children without adequate food.
The governor emphasised the multifaceted nature of combating malnutrition, highlighting initiatives by the Office of the Prime Minister to extend food distribution to affected families in Gobabis, Drimiopsis settlement, and Otjinene Village Council.
Despite these efforts, Nganate noted shortages of essential nutritional supplies nationwide, including therapeutic supplies.
The Prime Minister is currently conducting vulnerability assessment and analysis (VAA) across the country.
The primary goal of the exercises is to provide timely and reliable information about Namibia’s current food and nutrition security status, aiding evidence-based planning and decision-making in the country.
As part of the VAA, enumerators are also testing the level of malnutrition in children.
