Malnutrition a major concern in Ohangwena – Ndeitunga
Japan supports food security in the region
Ohangwena governor Sebastian Ndeitunga has expressed grave concern over nearly 300 malnutrition cases being treated in the region, with close to 20 fatalities linked to the condition.
Ohangwena governor Sebastian Ndeitunga has expressed grave concern over a surge in malnutrition cases in his region, with the number of cases now standing at 270 and 18 reported deaths.
Ndeitunga shared this information last Wednesday during a handover event with the Japanese ambassador to Namibia, Hisao Nishimaki.
He was responding to the announcement of a US$500 000 project, funded by Japan in partnership with the World Food Programme (FWP) in Namibia, which will be implemented in the Kunene and Ohangwena regions for six months, from October to March 2025.
“This project will be a significant relief for the Ohangwena Region, as malnutrition has been a confirmed serious problem, leading to 18 deaths this year alone,” Ndeitunga said.
He said the primary goal of the project is to ensure that drought-affected populations, especially children, at high risk of malnutrition in the Kunene and Ohangwena regions, have access to nutritious food.
Ndeitunga was speaking at the handover of a four-classroom block and a store room funded by Japan at Ndadi Primary School at the Omalapapa village in the Omundaungilo constituency.
"As a region, we are fortunate generous development partners, such as the Embassy of Japan and FAO, are coming to our rescue, especially this year when the region is facing a severe drought,” Ndeitunga said.
The governor said if beneficiaries make good use of the support, the programme will eventually contribute to food security in the region.
Boost morale
Ndeitunga also took the opportunity to suggest to education minister Anna Nghipondoka that, to boost staff morale, every new school built, especially in rural areas, should include teacher housing and proper sanitation facilities.
“The same should apply whenever building health facilities; they should include accommodation for health workers,” he said.
In response, Nghipondoka acknowledged that despite government prioritising education and investing significantly over the past 34 years of independence, challenges remain and will require additional funding to resolve.
The education minister applauded the Japanese government for supporting the ministry’s efforts in providing decent classrooms for the benefit of Namibian children.
Ndeitunga shared this information last Wednesday during a handover event with the Japanese ambassador to Namibia, Hisao Nishimaki.
He was responding to the announcement of a US$500 000 project, funded by Japan in partnership with the World Food Programme (FWP) in Namibia, which will be implemented in the Kunene and Ohangwena regions for six months, from October to March 2025.
“This project will be a significant relief for the Ohangwena Region, as malnutrition has been a confirmed serious problem, leading to 18 deaths this year alone,” Ndeitunga said.
He said the primary goal of the project is to ensure that drought-affected populations, especially children, at high risk of malnutrition in the Kunene and Ohangwena regions, have access to nutritious food.
Ndeitunga was speaking at the handover of a four-classroom block and a store room funded by Japan at Ndadi Primary School at the Omalapapa village in the Omundaungilo constituency.
"As a region, we are fortunate generous development partners, such as the Embassy of Japan and FAO, are coming to our rescue, especially this year when the region is facing a severe drought,” Ndeitunga said.
The governor said if beneficiaries make good use of the support, the programme will eventually contribute to food security in the region.
Boost morale
Ndeitunga also took the opportunity to suggest to education minister Anna Nghipondoka that, to boost staff morale, every new school built, especially in rural areas, should include teacher housing and proper sanitation facilities.
“The same should apply whenever building health facilities; they should include accommodation for health workers,” he said.
In response, Nghipondoka acknowledged that despite government prioritising education and investing significantly over the past 34 years of independence, challenges remain and will require additional funding to resolve.
The education minister applauded the Japanese government for supporting the ministry’s efforts in providing decent classrooms for the benefit of Namibian children.
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