Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Dr Kalumbi Shangula, the Ministry of Health and Social Services launched the Tripartite One Health National Strategy for 2024 – 2028 on Wednesday as a response to the increasing threat of zoonotic diseases.
Zoonotic diseases include rabies and food-borne illnesses.
These illnesses, Shangula said, impact health, livelihoods, and economies.
“The frequent outbreaks of zoonotic diseases and the effects of climate change in Namibia necessitate a coordinated One Health approach,” he stated.
The initiative is meant to address the interconnected health needs of humans, animals, and the environment.
Shangula said Namibia has faced numerous public health challenges in recent years, including outbreaks of cholera, anthrax, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, avian influenza, hepatitis E, and malaria.
He pointed out that global increases in emergent pathogens have strained public health systems, particularly in developing countries.
“Zoonotic and vector-borne pathogens cause substantial human morbidity and mortality, loss of income due to suspended trade in animal and animal products, and reduced biodiversity,” he explained.
The One Health approach, defined by the UN Quadripartite Organizations (WHO, UNEP, FAO, and WOAH), seeks to balance and optimise the health of humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems.
“Reports indicate that 75% of emerging pathogens causing epidemics are of zoonotic origin,” said Shangula.
The strategy involves collaboration between the ministries of health and social services, environment, forestry, and tourism, and agriculture, water, and land reform.
The government has budgeted more than N$4 million annually over four years for this initiative.
“This amount will cover direct allocations to specific interventions in priority sectors and activities for the implementation of the National Plan of Action for Health Security,” said Shangula.
