The independent Patriots for Change (IPC) MP Lilani Brinkman raised questions regarding the government's preparedness following the outbreak of MPox in neighbouring Zambia.

"32 cases have been reported in the neighbouring towns, bordering our towns, Katima, Moolilo and around. I just want to know what measures are in place from the Ministry site concerning surveillance, and we understood since last year, November, that there were no vaccines available for this disease. What is the current status of that?"

In response, Dr. Esperance Luvindau stated that surveillance teams are on the ground to ensure that if any threats are identified, the ministry would be immediately alerted.

She said the ministry is also making efforts to educate the public to identify such threats, adding that extra caution must be taken to tackle health threats, especially close to the borders.

"In terms of vaccines and the availability they have in Africa, currently, that is unevenly distributed. So to simply answer the question, yes, our surveillance teams are actively taking care to ensure that should any threats be identified within the country and within the borders of Namibia, we are alerted immediately and we take the necessary action, the necessary steps."