The Khorixas Health District in the Kunene Region has been awarded the Simon Kunene Subnational Verification, or award, for outstanding success in achieving near zero indigenous malaria transmissions from 2020 to 2024.

The Simon Kunene Award is named after a pioneer of malaria control in southern Africa, Simon Kunene, who was a renowned epidemiologist from Eswatini.

The award recognises and serves as a reiteration of commitment to sustain efforts in malaria elimination, promoting best practices, resource allocation, and robust collaboration among all stakeholders.

Receiving the trophy on behalf of the country and the Khorixas District, Health and Social Services Minister, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, said the award is a demonstration of the district’s commitment and community support on resilience against the malaria disease in Namibia and SADC.

The award also came with a cash check of US$10,000 from the SADC Malaria Elimination 8 Secretariat.