A total of 6517 cases of Hepatitis E were reported in Namibia since December 2017, from which 55 lives were lost since the outbreak started. According to Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Esther Muinjangue, poor hygiene practices are a major contributor to this disease and many more in Southern Africa and the World at large. Muinjangue was speaking during the first commemoration of World Toilet Day in Namibia since its establishment by the World Toilet Organisation in 2002 and since it was made official by the United Nations Observance in 2013. 'On average more than half of the Namibian population practices open defection, which causes negative effects on public health, particularly children's health and pregnant women. According to the District Health Information System 2, during the reporting year October 2022 to October 2023, the Erongo Region has reported 1334 cases of diarrhoea with blood, with four deaths recorded, of which one was under five years (of age) and three were above 18 year s,' she revealed. The deputy minister added that the region reported 19 958 cases of diarrhoea without blood, with no death, noting that this is an alarming situation which needs an urgent solution on water, sanitation and hygiene. Muinjangue stressed that on average more than half of the Namibian population practices open defection, which causes negative effects on public health, particularly children's health and pregnant women. The deputy minister has expressed her confidence in the Namibia Water and Sanitation Sector Programme, along with other development partners to find solutions to achieve access to adequate sanitation and hygiene for all and to bring an end to open defection in Namibia by 2030. Speaking at the same occasion, Erongo Governor, Neville Andre-Itope in a speech delivered on his behalf highlighted the need for collaborative efforts in the provision of sanitation and hygiene to Namibians across the board. 'Our cooperation might have lasting results and the impact might be life-changing , even saving someone's life. Let us invest in infrastructure and sanitation facilities and continue advocating for hygiene education to ensure universal access to safe and affordable drinking water and sanitation,' he noted. Source: The Namibian Press Agency
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