The 7th commemoration of World Leprosy Day was celebrated in Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi Region under the theme "Beat Leprosy."

Dr.Kalumbi Shangula, in his keynote address read by the governor of the Zambezi Region, Alufea Sampofu, said that the theme encapsulates the dual objectives of eradicating the stigma associated with leprosy and promoting the dignity of people affected by the disease.

A total of 11 new-born babies were welcomed in Katima Mulilo on New Year's Day.

Of the 11, the Katima Mulilo State Hospital welcomed five male and five female babies, while the Enkehaus Private Hospital welcomed a baby girl.

At the state hospital, the first child, a baby girl, came in at around 7:30 in the morning, weighing 3,3 kg.

The last was a baby girl delivered through an operation at 21:30 with a weight of 2.3 kg.

All newborns and their mothers are reported to be in perfect condition.

Residents of Katima Mulilo's Nova Settlement have once again been left in the open following Wednesday's strong winds accompanied by rain.

Speaking to the nbc News team, some of the affected residents say not much could be done at the time their zinc roofs were blown off.

The strong winds, accompanied by rain, damaged identity documents, food, clothing, furniture, and dwellings.

The affected residents, most of whom are unemployed or low-income earners, look up to the local leadership for assistance.

The Inspector General of the Police, Joseph Shikongo, has firmly instructed officers in the Zambezi Region not to compromise on the safety of the public. 

This directive was emphasized by Lieutenant Joseph Shikongo during his remarks at a police parade in Katima Mulilo.

Lieutenant Shikongo assured the officers of his office support and that of the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security to ensure that the community is served.

The Anti-Corruption Commission has appealed for an international coordinated effort in the investigation of money laundering-related organised crimes.
 
The appeal was made at the commemoration of Anti-Corruption Day at Katima Mulilo.

The Anti-Corrutiption Commission (ACC) marked the day in different regions to create awareness for people to understand what the consequences of corruption could be and their role thereto.

The election of a chairperson of the management committee for Katima Mulilo Town Council was deadlocked, with members unable to choose a nominee to occupy the seat.

The three nominated members for the position were Charles Musialike from the Independent Patriots for Change, Namangolwa Mapenzi, and Chizabulyo Simanga, both from the Swapo Party.

Katima's newly elected mayor, John Ntemwa, called for the postponement of the election of a chairperson to allow for further consultations after Musialike walked out of the proceedings.

Authorities in the Zambezi Region are cautioning residents to refrain from harbouring individuals involved in criminal activities that hinder service delivery.

This follows the discovery of items including copper wires, taps, valves, sewer motors, generators, and electrical and copper cables at a scrap yard at the Old Musika location in Katima Mulilo.

According to the police, the items are similar to those reported stolen from the Katima Mulilo town council properties, Enkehaus Private Hospital, NORED, and Telecom Namibia facilities, including the local state house.

The Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare says the government is committed to improving the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable members of society through income-generating activities.

Doreen Sioka outlined this at Katima Mulilo when she handed over equipment and materials to targeted groups of beneficiaries.

Six people died following a fatal head-on collision on the B8 Trans Zambezi High Way on Sunday morning.
Three passengers from both vehicles died on the scene, while three others died later at the Chetto Clinic.

The other three of the four passengers who sustained injuries were admitted to Katima Mulilo Hospital's High Care Unit.

It is reported that the driver of the Nissan Note was overtaking a truck when he collided with the oncoming vehicle belonging to the Kongola Constituency Councillor and member of the National Council, Bennett Busihu.

Health facilities in the Zambezi Region have been experiencing an increase in the number of patients treated since the Katima Mulilo Border Post turned to operating 24 hours per day.

The Managing Director of Enkerhaus Private Hospital in Katima Mulilo, Dr. Ernest Kombo, said the influx requires more support from the private sector for the Katima Mulilo Hospital to provide prompt and quality healthcare services.

Enkerhaus Private Hospital acted on its word, donating medical equipment valued at N$300,000 to the facility.