Namibia Introduces National Multi-Hazard Health Emergency Preparedness Plan

Namibia has launched the National Multi-Hazard Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (2024) to combat escalating biological, technological, societal, and environmental hazards. The plan, developed after comprehensive risk assessments, focuses on improving disaster preparedness through enhanced surveillance, infrastructure, and public awareness. Its implementation is vital for safeguarding public health and addressing rising concerns related to climate change and economic instability.

Namibia is currently grappling with escalating risks stemming from biological, technological, societal, and environmental threats. In response, the country has implemented the National Multi-Hazard Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (2024), designed to enhance emergency preparedness and response measures. This initiative is vital, as these hazards threaten not only lives but also the economy, infrastructure, and environment.

The plan encompasses an extensive risk assessment performed by a multisectoral team using the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Strategic Tool for Assessing Risk (Star) in 2021. Historical assessments, including the Threat Hazard Identification Risk Assessment of 2017 and the Vulnerability Risk Assessment and Mapping of 2019, corroborate the findings of the recent assessment.

The response plan identifies numerous biological hazards such as cholera, Ebola, Covid-19, rabies, hepatitis E, and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, among others. Furthermore, it acknowledges natural hazards like earthquakes, droughts, flash floods, cold fronts, and wildfires, as well as technological and societal risks related to mine accidents, structural fires, and sewage incidents.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services will spearhead the implementation of this preparedness strategy in collaboration with its partners. Key measures will include the enhancement of disease surveillance systems, improvement of emergency response infrastructure, and elevation of public awareness to mitigate disaster risks.

Health Minister Kalumbi Shangula emphasized the importance of this plan, acknowledging it as crucial for protecting public health. He urged all sectors to engage in its implementation, stating, “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 inception of the plan coincides with rising worries regarding Namibia’s vulnerability to climate change, urban growth, and economic fluctuations, which have intensified the frequency and severity of disasters. Recent public health crises, including a hepatitis E outbreak and Covid-19’s effects on healthcare facilities, further highlight these concerns. Additionally, issues such as water contamination in informal settlements and increased mental health challenges linked to climate-induced displacement present additional hurdles.

In conclusion, Namibia’s proactive approach to addressing burgeoning disaster risks is encapsulated in the National Multi-Hazard Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (2024). Through enhanced surveillance, infrastructure improvements, and public engagement, the plan aims to safeguard public health against various biological, environmental, and societal threats. Collaboration at all levels will be crucial for effective implementation and disaster risk reduction.

Original Source: www.namibian.com.na