Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services has officially declared a cholera outbreak in the northwestern Kunene Region, following the confirmation of Vibrio cholerae O1—the same strain responsible for previous outbreaks.
At a press briefing in Windhoek on Thursday, June 19, Health Minister Esperance Luvindao revealed that eight suspected cases had been identified in the Opuwo District, with six, including one fatality, traced to a single household. The World Health Organization considers just one confirmed locally transmitted case sufficient to declare an outbreak, prompting an urgent health response.
Minister Luvindao announced the activation of the ministry’s incident management system to coordinate a national, multi-sectoral response. Rapid response teams have been deployed, surveillance efforts are being intensified, and public health education campaigns have commenced. Authorities are also improving water safety through chlorination and have set up oral rehydration points and cholera treatment units in affected areas. Emphasising that cholera highlights deeper issues of water and sanitation access, the minister called on government bodies, NGOs, and community leaders to ensure clean water availability and promote hygiene awareness.