Four minors from Livaye Village in Kavango East who died from suspected food poisoning were buried in a mass grave over the weekend.

Eight children initially ate the food, of whom four died and the others survived, while the remaining four were discharged.

The incident happened on February 26.

According to family members, a 13-year-old boy had prepared a lunch of porridge and mutete, which the children consumed.

Another meal of porridge and soup was prepared by an older relative for supper, which the minors also consumed.

The Rundu Intermediate Hospital is struggling with a staff shortage.

This was disclosed by Medical Superintendent Dr. Jean Kalala Kabangu during the visit of the National Council's Standing Committee on Health, Social Welfare, and Labour Affairs.

Dr. Kabangu says the shortage of staff is forcing the hospital staff to work overtime and has a major effect on service delivery.

Dr. Kabangu further explained that Namibian specialists refuse to work in Rundu as it is referred to as a remote area; this, he says, is a contributing factor.

The Rundu Intermediate Hospital has awarded a certificate of appreciation to its High Care Unit.

This came after the department took first place overall in service delivery at the hospital.

The pediatric unit and the pre-mature unit came in second and third place, respectively.

The Rundu Intermediate Hospital used International Nurses Day to award the best department as a way of boosting the morale of the nurses to perform their calling effectively.