Eba Kandovazu
MORE Namibian men have succumbed to COVID-19, in comparison to women, since the global pandemic hit Namibia in March 2020.
Until 10 January, a total 3735 Namibians died. Of these, 2044 are men and 1691 are women, the Executive Director (ED) in the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), Ben Nangombe, says.
Nangombe says an analytical study ought to be conducted, to establish why more men than women are dying due to coronavirus. “One cannot just make assumptions and conclude on the factors contributing to the difference, as this need analytical study to make an informed conclusion. However, what is known generally, is that men’s behaviours are weaker compared to that of women. Men tend to go to health facilities when their conditions are severe,” Nangombe stresses.
He adds that 78 percent of all women who died from COVID-19 had comorbidities compared to 74 percent of men who had pre-existing conditions, in terms of sex specific fatality rate.
Nangombe further informs a total 21 210 children (under 18 years old) have been infected with COVID-19 as of 10 January. Of these, 11 650 girls have been infected and 9 560 boys were infected.
