The Minister of Health and Social Services has urged residents in regions affected by a malaria outbreak to do their part in protecting themselves while the ministry and its partners intensify efforts to contain the outbreak.

Challenges experienced during the current outbreak of malaria were raised by some regional leaders during the commemoration of World Health Day in Katima Mulilo on Monday.

The spread of malaria has become rapid. During the past week alone, a total of 5,256 new cases recorded and the community say 69 lives lost are too many.

Health Minister Dr. Esperance Luvindao said the Katima Mulilo, Andara, Nkurenkuru, Nyangana, Rundu, Ncamangoro and Outapi health districts are the most affected.

Dr. Luvindao also appealed to the public to allow spray teams to do their work while also practising living in clean environments.

Zambezi Governor Alufea Sampofu called for combined efforts both from the community and healthcare workers.

"The Zambezi Region is very vast, and we have challenging terrains in this region, so we have to work together to make sure that all those places we see as dirty, all those places that are full of water, we have to work together and clean them."