The World Health Organisation (WHO) has highlighted Namibia's efforts to strengthen public health responses, focusing on the country's intensified fight against a malaria surge and its continued leadership in tobacco control across Africa.

In its newsletter, the WHO noted that Namibia recorded nearly 28,000 malaria cases during the first ten weeks of 2026 after unusually heavy rainfall created favourable conditions for mosquito breeding. 

Areas including Katima Mulilo, Andara, Nkurenkuru, Outapi, and Nyangana were among the hardest hit.

In response, the Ministry of Health and Social Services, together with WHO and other partners, launched intensified interventions in the affected regions of Zambezi, Kavango East, and Kavango West.

Measures include expanded testing, faster treatment, increased indoor spraying, and wider distribution of mosquito nets.

WHO Technical Officer for Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases in Southern Africa, Dhruv Pandey, emphasised the importance of preparedness and rapid response to prevent outbreaks from worsening.

The WHO newsletter also highlighted Namibia's hosting of the Africa Tobacco Control Core Partners Biannual Coordination Meeting.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Suzan Ndjaleka, called for stronger regional collaboration to address the growing burden of tobacco-related diseases and improve policy enforcement across Africa.

WHO Representative in Namibia, Richard Banda, warned that tobacco use remains one of the leading preventable causes of death globally, particularly affecting low- and middle-income countries.

The meeting pointed out renewed commitments from African countries and partners to strengthen tobacco control measures, reduce tobacco-related illnesses, and promote healthier communities across the continent.