Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA has officially contained the cholera outbreak that gripped Grootfontein and Opuwo for nearly five months, with health authorities declaring that the disease was eliminated in both districts.
More than 28 days have passed with zero new confirmed cases, Health Minister Esperance Luvindao recently said when announcing the end of the outbreak, marking a major public health victory following a coordinated emergency response that involved government ministries, regional councils and international partners.
The outbreak began on 19 November 2025 with a confirmed case in the Grootfontein Health District, Otjozondjupa Region. Two additional cases were later confirmed in the Opuwo Health District, Kunene Region, on 26 January 2026.
According to the ministry, a total of 282 suspected cases were reported between November 2025 and April 2026. Of those, 82 were laboratory confirmed — 52 in Grootfontein and 30 in Opuwo. One death was recorded in Opuwo.
“We express our sincere condolences to the bereaved family,” Luvindao said.
The minister said that upon confirmation of the first case, the MoHSS activated emergency response systems at national, regional and district levels. The ministry said the swift mobilisation of resources and a multi-sectoral approach were key to stopping the spread.
The last confirmed case in Grootfontein was reported on 18 February 2026. In Opuwo, the last case was reported on 22 March 2026. With the required 28-day monitoring period now having passed with no new infections, the ministry formally declared the outbreak over in line with the International Health Regulations (2005).
The minister said that the response was supported by WHO, the US CDC, UNICEF and the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) through technical expertise, funding and in-kind support.
She also thanked the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministries of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform; Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture; Urban and Rural Development; and Finance for their roles. Regional councils and local authorities were also recognised for their collaboration.
Despite the declaration, Luvindao warned that the risk of resurgence remains.
“While the current outbreak has been contained, the risk of resurgence remains a constant threat that requires unwavering vigilance from everyone,” she said.
The ministry urged the public to maintain hygiene practices, including access to safe drinking water, proper waste disposal and handwashing with soap — especially before handling food and after using the toilet.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the public and affected communities for your continued cooperation,” Luvindao added. “We urge everyone to maintain the vital habit of seeking medical assistance immediately at the first sign of illness.”
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: Contributed
