RUNDU — Health officials from Namibia’s Kavango West and Kavango East regions met with their counterparts from Angola’s Cuando Cubango province in Rundu on Monday. This three-day gathering focuses on strengthening cross-border efforts to control infectious diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.

According to Namibia Press Agency, a health programme officer from Kavango West, the meeting, set to conclude on Wednesday, is dedicated to sharing best practices and experiences in disease management across borders. “We are also going to review the status of the implementation of recommendations made by both countries during the cross-border meeting last year in Angola,” Mpasi said. Participants are expected to draft a joint action plan for 2024/25 to enhance cross-border surveillance and communication.

Joseph Sivaku, Chairperson of the Kavango West Regional Council, emphasized the critical role of border points in disease containment. He noted current deficiencies, such as a lack of screening tools and quarantine facilities at many entry points, urging both governments to improve these infrastructures.

Sivaku highlighted the significant number of malaria cases in the Kavango West Region, with 1,352 confirmed cases from June 2023 to June 2024, including 470 cases involving Angolan nationals. This statistic underscores the urgency of cross-border health initiatives.

The discussions will cover the epidemiological situations in both countries, border security, cross-border violations, and the risks posed by illegal migrations to areas contaminated with infections. The meeting aims to produce actionable recommendations that will enhance the effectiveness of cross-border health strategies.