Oshakati patients told to co-exist with stray cats
A decision by health authorities to keep stray cats at the Oshakati state hospital instead of removing them has left some patients angry, saying the cats have mastered the art of opening food lockers and make a lot of noise.
Yesterday, the hospital launched a pilot project to manage the cats and waste at the facility.
This after numerous complaints from patients that the cats roam the wards in search for food day and night.
During the project’s launch, cats could be seen flitting in and out of wards.
The hospital has made the decision to have the cats co-exist with patients, Oshakati medical superintendent Ruben Kanime said.
In a world that has been grappling with the ongoing challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, it has become increasingly clear that the health of humans, animals and the environment are intrinsically interconnected, he said.
Kanime added that the cats, often overlooked in the broader animal welfare conversation, are an integral part of the urban ecosystem.
“Their well-being directly affects the balance of local ecosystems and can have implications for public health.”
Healthier, more sustainable future
According to him, waste management is not just an environmental concern, but is also closely linked to public health.
“Effective waste control is vital for preventing the spread of diseases, especially in densely populated areas. By addressing both feral cat welfare and waste control, this initiative demonstrates a holistic approach to public health that encompasses the well-being of all living beings,” Kanime said.
He added that the launch of the pilot project is testament to their commitment to building a healthier and more sustainable future.
The cats are “not so bad” and have proven to be useful because they kill mice and snakes, keeping patients safe from pests, he said.
Better strategies
Maria Nandjala - the chief environmental health practitioner heading vector control interventions in the Oshana Region, who spoke on behalf of health director Johanna Iimene - said the pilot project is particularly significant in light of ongoing zoonotic pandemics.
There is huge need for people to work together as a community to raise awareness and come up with better strategies regarding the control of feral cats, she said, adding that waste management strategies preventing the spread diseases of this nature fall under one health umbrella.
“As most of us know, zoonotic diseases are among of the leading cause of illness in the world if not effectively managed. This disease burden becomes lighter when tackled from all angles,” Nandjala said.
Can't sleep
Albertina Immanuel, a patient at the hospital, said the cats know how to open patients’ lockers and eat their food. They also make a lot of noise at night, and patients can hardly sleep, she said.
Another patient, Silas Gabriel, shared the same sentiments and urged authorities to vaccinate the cats.
He added that it will be difficult for the officials to keep track of the cats, that they have all been vaccinated and that they are safe to live amongst patients.
Yesterday, the hospital launched a pilot project to manage the cats and waste at the facility.
This after numerous complaints from patients that the cats roam the wards in search for food day and night.
During the project’s launch, cats could be seen flitting in and out of wards.
The hospital has made the decision to have the cats co-exist with patients, Oshakati medical superintendent Ruben Kanime said.
In a world that has been grappling with the ongoing challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, it has become increasingly clear that the health of humans, animals and the environment are intrinsically interconnected, he said.
Kanime added that the cats, often overlooked in the broader animal welfare conversation, are an integral part of the urban ecosystem.
“Their well-being directly affects the balance of local ecosystems and can have implications for public health.”
Healthier, more sustainable future
According to him, waste management is not just an environmental concern, but is also closely linked to public health.
“Effective waste control is vital for preventing the spread of diseases, especially in densely populated areas. By addressing both feral cat welfare and waste control, this initiative demonstrates a holistic approach to public health that encompasses the well-being of all living beings,” Kanime said.
He added that the launch of the pilot project is testament to their commitment to building a healthier and more sustainable future.
The cats are “not so bad” and have proven to be useful because they kill mice and snakes, keeping patients safe from pests, he said.
Better strategies
Maria Nandjala - the chief environmental health practitioner heading vector control interventions in the Oshana Region, who spoke on behalf of health director Johanna Iimene - said the pilot project is particularly significant in light of ongoing zoonotic pandemics.
There is huge need for people to work together as a community to raise awareness and come up with better strategies regarding the control of feral cats, she said, adding that waste management strategies preventing the spread diseases of this nature fall under one health umbrella.
“As most of us know, zoonotic diseases are among of the leading cause of illness in the world if not effectively managed. This disease burden becomes lighter when tackled from all angles,” Nandjala said.
Can't sleep
Albertina Immanuel, a patient at the hospital, said the cats know how to open patients’ lockers and eat their food. They also make a lot of noise at night, and patients can hardly sleep, she said.
Another patient, Silas Gabriel, shared the same sentiments and urged authorities to vaccinate the cats.
He added that it will be difficult for the officials to keep track of the cats, that they have all been vaccinated and that they are safe to live amongst patients.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article