Namibia and Angola, in partnership with the World Health Organization, are meeting to discuss collaboration on acute malnutrition, an expanded program on immunization, and infectious diseases.

The weeklong gathering at Ondangwa aims to strengthen cross-border collaboration and strategies on how to control severe malnutrition and infectious diseases, with a focus on TB, Hepatitis E, HIV, malaria, and other topical diseases.

Speaking at the opening, the Executive Director in the Ministry of Health and Social Service, Ben Nangombe, says cross-border collaboration is vital to prepare for and respond to health emergencies between the two countries.

"Namibia and Angola have an obligation to comply with the IHR by ensuring that appropriate capacities are in place to prevent, detect, and adequately respond to any emergencies of public health concern. In this regard, our two countries are urged to continue implementing IHR monitoring tools such as the joint external evaluation simulation exercises and the compilation and submission of state party annual reports."

The World Health Organization's Country Representative, Dr Chales Sagoe-Moses, in a speech read on his behalf, said the WHO has adopted three flagship projects aimed at transforming African surveillance systems as well as strengthening and utilizing response groups for emergencies.

Both Namibia and Angola are signatories to international health regulations, which compel them to strengthen their capacities for health security.