Namibia is launching a National Multi-Hazard Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (2024) due to increasing biological, technological, societal, and environmental hazards. The plan identifies key risks and outlines strategies for emergency preparedness to protect public health and the economy, emphasizing collaboration among stakeholders and enhanced public awareness efforts.
Namibia is increasingly confronted with a range of hazards, including biological, technological, societal, and environmental threats. In response to these challenges, the country has initiated a National Multi-Hazard Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (2024), aimed at enhancing emergency preparedness and response capabilities. The plan outlines critical risks and corresponding strategies to mitigate their impact on lives, the economy, and the environment.
A comprehensive risk assessment, conducted by a multisectoral team utilizing the World Health Organisation (WHO) Strategic Tool for Assessing Risk (Star) in 2021, has informed the plan’s development. Earlier assessments from 2017 and 2019 corroborated the risks identified in the current plan, reinforcing the need for action.
The response plan categorizes numerous biological hazards, including cholera, Ebola, Covid-19, rabies, hepatitis E, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, and others. Additionally, it addresses natural hazards such as earthquakes, droughts, flooding, and wildfires, as well as technological risks like mine accidents and spills of hazardous materials.
Implementation of preparedness measures will be led by the Ministry of Health and Social Services in collaboration with various stakeholders. Key actions to be undertaken include enhancing disease surveillance systems, improving emergency response infrastructure, and bolstering public awareness efforts to mitigate disaster risks.
Health Minister Kalumbi Shangula emphasized the importance of the plan, urging involvement from all sectors. He remarked that, “This framework will ensure that Namibia is well prepared to detect, respond to, and recover from any public health emergency, ultimately protecting lives and livelihoods.”
The urgency of the plan’s launch arises from growing concerns regarding Namibia’s vulnerability to climate change and economic challenges, which heighten the occurrence and severity of disasters. Previous reports highlighted public health crises such as the hepatitis E outbreak in informal settlements and the effects of Covid-19 on health services. Additionally, persistent issues like water contamination in Windhoek and rising mental health concerns are indicative of the challenges the nation faces in disaster management.
In conclusion, Namibia’s National Multi-Hazard Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan serves as a crucial framework for addressing the growing spectrum of hazards facing the nation. By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders and enhancing emergency preparedness, the plan aims to safeguard public health and ensure resilience against future challenges. The proactive approach outlined in the plan is essential for mitigating risks that threaten the lives and livelihoods of the Namibian populace.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
