As heavy rains resulting in flooding continue across the country, the Ngami District Health Management Team (DHMT) has advised the public to be cautious and maintain proper hygiene in the consumption of food and water so as to prevent water-borne diseases.
This as flooding is increasingly contributing to a growing number of adverse health outcomes, and has increased the risk of diseases outbreaks as it causes sewage overflow as well as damage to water supply and sanitation facilities.
The warning by the Ngami DHMT Head of Preventive Dr Keabetswe Solomon comes amid reported increases of Malaria cases in the area. According to him, since the Malaria season started in November 2024 to date, they have already registered 7 cases of malaria, (3 females and 4 males) with many more expected.
Stagnant water, in various areas and next to households or even farming lands are breeding ground for mosquitoes, which the vectors for the transmission of malaria which is on the rise than any other.
Solomon explained that the prolonged rainfalls have increased risks of diarrhoea, malaria, upper respiratory tract infections and bilharzia. He added that there is also risk of loss of life due to drowning. “Heavy rains also affect the terrains therefore health services may become inaccessible to some at a time of need,” Solomon further said.
He however said they have not experienced any increase in Diarrhoea cases but urged the public to report any case especially those in children as they are more prone to acquiring severe diarrhea and at a higher risk for death.
Meanwhile, Solomon said in preparation for any outbreak, they have put in place health measure that include case surveillance that is currently on going. They have also started distributing long lasting insecticide nets, providing the ‘Chemoprophylaxis’ drug to reduce the risk of acquiring malaria to those going outside the country and they are to conduct community sensitization on malaria preventive strategies.
The Head of preventative further said there is an availability of commodities including emergency drugs, malaria rapid diagnostic test kits, resuscitation equipment in case of drowning. He added that they are to engage the Disaster Management Team at district level to ensure adequate surveillance of the situation and resource availability and mobilisation when the need arises.
“We are also to ensure that our health care workers are updated on the situation and strengthen the case surveillance and management,” Solomon added.
