Kavango west: The Kavango West Region commemorated International Leprosy Day on Friday, with regional leaders calling for urgent action to eliminate discrimination and support those affected by the disease.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Kavango West Regional Chairperson and Nkurenkuru Councillor Fillipus Tenga emphasized the message of this year's theme, which states that leprosy is curable and the real challenge remains the accompanying stigma. The sentiment was echoed by Hompa Eugene Kudumo of the Ukwangali Traditional Authority, who reflected on the historical trauma associated with the disease, referencing the isolation camp at Mashare in Kavango East, which operated from the 1970s until 1980 and contributed to lasting stigmatisation.

Kudumo highlighted that the threat of being banished should not be a reason to delay seeking help, stating, 'Leprosy is no longer a death sentence. This is the reason we are commemorating, for us to advocate and break the barriers of stigmatisation.'

Delivering the keynote address, Kavango West Governor Verna Sinimbo outlined Namibia's significant progress. The country has achieved international recognition for eliminating leprosy as a public health problem, defined as fewer than one case per 10,000 people. However, Sinimbo warned against complacency as new cases continue to surface. In 2025, Namibia detected 36 leprosy cases, with Kavango East reporting the highest numbers, followed by the Zambezi, Oshana, Khomas, and Kavango West regions.

'Elimination does not mean eradication. New and relapse cases continue to be reported in regions such as Kavango West, Kavango East, Zambezi, Khomas and Oshana, reminding us that vigilance must be sustained,' the governor noted. Sinimbo further explained that the cases were identified through strengthened surveillance, contact tracing, and community-based screening under the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Programme's Fourth National Strategic Plan, launched two years ago.

'Through this plan, we have intensified follow-up of previously treated patients, screened household and close contacts, and ensured that all confirmed cases are promptly initiated on treatment.' Sinimbo called for community support in encouraging early medical examination to prevent disease advancement and reduce transmission.