Namibia: Malaria Claims 122 Lives As Cases Spike to 122,000
Namibia is facing a significant malaria outbreak with 122 deaths and over 122,000 confirmed cases reported this year. The government is launching an indoor residual spraying campaign while addressing identified gaps in prevention and surveillance programs.
Why it matters
The surge in malaria cases highlights critical public health infrastructure challenges in Namibia and the urgent need for improved disease management and prevention strategies.
Namibia has recorded 122 malaria deaths and 122 612 confirmed cases so far this year.
This is as the government prepares to spray 1.2 million households in malaria-prone regions.
Minister of health and social services Esperance Luvindao announced these figures at the launch of the 2026 indoor residual spraying campaign at Divundu yesterday.
Of the confirmed cases, 99 078 were contracted locally, while 23 354 were imported. Luvindao said a total of 9 956 people have been admitted to hospital with malaria.
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The Kavango East region has recorded 37 488 cases, accounting for 30.6% of the country's total. The region has also recorded 22 malaria deaths.
Luvindao said malaria remains present in 10 of Namibia's 14 regions - the Zambezi, Kavango East, Kavango West, Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, Kunene, Oshikoto, Omaheke and Otjozondjupa regions.
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