Namibia has recorded a total of 1,345 malaria cases since November 2023 in malaria-prone regions.
Cases are expected to increase significantly during the rainy season.
Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Ester Muinjangue, highlighted the ministry's concerns in an interview with nbc News.
Malaria cases have been on the rise in malaria-endemic regions.
Of the total 1,345 cases recorded nationwide, 133 were found to be severe and resulted in hospital admission.
12 deaths were recorded, while 15 malaria-endemic districts in seven regions have surpassed the epidemic threshold.
The regions in question are Ohangwena, Zambezi, Oshikoto, Oshana, Omusati, Kunene, Kavango East, and Kavango West.
"The majority of cases were reported in the Eenhana district (592), which accounted for 21%, followed by Katima Mulilo (457), which accounted for 16%. Namibia has seasonal malaria transmission, with seasonal peaks starting in December and lasting until late April. Malaria cases are thus expected to increase during this time due to the rainy season."
In 2023, the ministry recorded a total of 13,000 malaria cases.
In its fight to end malaria in the country, the ministry has implemented a robust surveillance system to detect and monitor cases in all regions.
Yet it acknowledges the challenges experienced in battling residual malaria transmission.
"The ministry, with support from development and implementing partners, is implementing a revised national strategic plan to battle residual malaria transmission. Antimalarial resistance, insecticide resistance, community refusal to accept some national interventions, and increased prices of new-generation insecticides and antimalarial medicines."
Dr. Muinjangue cautioned residents of non-endemic regions to equally take the necessary precautions, as cases may be imported from other parts of the country.
Recent travellers to malaria-prone areas are urged to go for immediate testing, as they may not initially present any symptoms.
Severe symptoms of malaria include extreme tiredness and fatigue; impaired consciousness; multiple convulsions; breathing difficulty; abnormal bleeding; jaundice; and dark or bloody urine.
"Community members experiencing the symptoms listed above are urged to immediately visit the nearest health facility for care, as the ministry has secured enough antimalarial medicines and all facilities are well stocked for patients diagnosed with malaria."