Namibia records 28 new leprosy cases
Communities urged to unite against leprosy stigma
While Namibia has made significant progress in reducing leprosy cases, sporadic infections persist, and the health ministry has committed to drastically reducing transmissions by 2027.
Health minister Kalumbi Shangula last week warned that there is a need for continued vigilance and action against leprosy infections in Namibia, with the country having recorded 28 new cases over the past 11 months.
Shangula made these remarks during the fifth commemoration of World Leprosy Day in Kongola, Zambezi Region, on Thursday.
The health minister said the day is dedicated not only to raising awareness about leprosy, a disease that has historically been associated with severe stigma and misunderstanding, but also to reaffirming government's commitment to eradicating its lingering hold on communities.
This year's day was themed 'Unite. Act. Eliminate'.
“The theme serves as a clarion call to galvanise our efforts, enlighten our communities and eradicate the disease's shadow that still looms over so many lives,” Shangula said.
Although leprosy has largely been eliminated as a public health concern in Namibia – defined as having fewer than one case per 10 000 people – sporadic cases persist.
Vital actions
Shangula said the ministry's goal is to drastically reduce leprosy transmission by 2027. Despite significant progress, regions such as Oshana, Kavango West, Kavango East, Khomas and Zambezi have reported several cases – some new infections as well as relapses – amounting to a total of 28 cases for the current financial year.
“Of note, the National TB and Leprosy Programme’s recent leprosy assessment in Oshana, Omusati and Kavango West Regions brought 11 new cases to light, emphasising the critical need for continued vigilance and action,” the minister said.
“We must act. This calls for proactive engagement through public education, early diagnosis, prevention programmes, prompt treatment and empowerment of affected individuals. These actions are vital to interrupt transmission and lead us toward our elimination goals,” Shangula added.
Tackle stigma, help instead
The minister explained that, previously, individuals affected by leprosy were referred to a select number of health facilities in Namibia for treatment. Now, they can receive effective treatment at district hospitals across the country with a combination of antibiotics known as multi-drug therapy (MDT), in accordance with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.
In remarks read on his behalf by Sibbinda constituency councillor Mickey Lukaezi, Zambezi regional governor Lawrence Sampofu said leprosy has been labelled as a curse-like disease. He thanked the ministry for its proactive approach to erasing these perceptions and creating awareness that the disease is mildly infectious and curable.
Sampofu urged communities to be more supportive of those affected by leprosy and to care for them rather than treating them like outcasts.
“The ministry has taken strides to accommodate every illness that affects humanity. This will be successful when members of the community work hand in hand with health professionals,” he added.
Sampofu advised those living with leprosy to have the courage to speak out so that they can receive timely assistance.
Shangula made these remarks during the fifth commemoration of World Leprosy Day in Kongola, Zambezi Region, on Thursday.
The health minister said the day is dedicated not only to raising awareness about leprosy, a disease that has historically been associated with severe stigma and misunderstanding, but also to reaffirming government's commitment to eradicating its lingering hold on communities.
This year's day was themed 'Unite. Act. Eliminate'.
“The theme serves as a clarion call to galvanise our efforts, enlighten our communities and eradicate the disease's shadow that still looms over so many lives,” Shangula said.
Although leprosy has largely been eliminated as a public health concern in Namibia – defined as having fewer than one case per 10 000 people – sporadic cases persist.
Vital actions
Shangula said the ministry's goal is to drastically reduce leprosy transmission by 2027. Despite significant progress, regions such as Oshana, Kavango West, Kavango East, Khomas and Zambezi have reported several cases – some new infections as well as relapses – amounting to a total of 28 cases for the current financial year.
“Of note, the National TB and Leprosy Programme’s recent leprosy assessment in Oshana, Omusati and Kavango West Regions brought 11 new cases to light, emphasising the critical need for continued vigilance and action,” the minister said.
“We must act. This calls for proactive engagement through public education, early diagnosis, prevention programmes, prompt treatment and empowerment of affected individuals. These actions are vital to interrupt transmission and lead us toward our elimination goals,” Shangula added.
Tackle stigma, help instead
The minister explained that, previously, individuals affected by leprosy were referred to a select number of health facilities in Namibia for treatment. Now, they can receive effective treatment at district hospitals across the country with a combination of antibiotics known as multi-drug therapy (MDT), in accordance with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.
In remarks read on his behalf by Sibbinda constituency councillor Mickey Lukaezi, Zambezi regional governor Lawrence Sampofu said leprosy has been labelled as a curse-like disease. He thanked the ministry for its proactive approach to erasing these perceptions and creating awareness that the disease is mildly infectious and curable.
Sampofu urged communities to be more supportive of those affected by leprosy and to care for them rather than treating them like outcasts.
“The ministry has taken strides to accommodate every illness that affects humanity. This will be successful when members of the community work hand in hand with health professionals,” he added.
Sampofu advised those living with leprosy to have the courage to speak out so that they can receive timely assistance.
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