Challenges of open defecation and poor sanitation continue to pose health risks in rural and periurban areas. 

This was revealed by the Health Ministry during the commemoration at the Global Hand Washing and World Toilet Day at Otjiwarongo. 

Health Minister Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, in the speech read on his behalf, said these deficiencies contribute to the prevalence of water-borne diseases such as cholera and polio.

"While we have made significant strides, open defecation and poor sanitation continue to pose challenges, particularly in rural areas. Epidemiologically, these deficiencies contribute to the prevalence of water-borne diseases, which are the leading causes of mortality among children under five in Africa. The Government of the Republic of Namibia has developed policies and implemented several initiatives to improve access to clean water and sanitation in all fourteen regions. One such policy is our National Sanitation and Hygiene Strategy 2022-2027, which provides strategic direction for a coordinated approach in the implementation of sanitation and hygiene activities."

UNICEF's Deputy Country Director, Toshiko Takahashi, pledged continued support to the Ministry in the development and implementation of hand hygiene initiatives. 

"We recognise the significant efforts your ministry has made in addressing these critical challenges. We are encouraged by the government's focus on improving sanitation and hygiene standards across the country. However, we must continue to scale up our efforts to ensure that every school, healthcare facility, and community in Namibia has access to the basic hygiene infrastructure necessary to support healthy behaviours." 

In Namibia, the most recent WASH—Cost of Inaction Study found that unsafe water sanitation and hygiene services contribute to more than 184,000 cases of diarrhoea diseases among children under five each year, resulting in 719 deaths annually. 

The commemoration that started with a street march in the informal settlement of Otjiwarongo took place at the DRC soccer field with musical performances, speeches, dramas, and a handwashing demonstration.