23 Aug 2021

Ngamiland region is experiencing reduction in cases of diarrhoea attributable to heightened COVID-19 public health protocols.

Presenting a health planning report to a recent District Development Committee meeting, Ngami acting District Health Management Team (DHMT) coordinator, Dr Sandra Maripe- Ebutswe said no diarrhoea-related deaths had been recorded in the area.

A total of 98 diarrhoea cases without dehydration had been registered, 68 in Ngami and 30 in Okavango, she said.

On cases of diarrhoea with dehydration, she said Ngami recorded 786 while Okavango DHMT had 943 cases.

Dr Maripe-Ebutswe revealed that out of 7 007 people tested for HIV in the region,  247 turned out positive. 

She said 24 302 people were currently on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), 161 of them children under the age of 12 while 209 were non-citizens.

As a way of enhancing non-citizens’ access to HIV care services, a campaign was undertaken July 9-10 in Maun to sensitise them on HIV care, treatment, support and retention, she said..

Dr Maripe-Ebutswe also reported that teenage pregnancy remained a challenge in the district with 108 cases registered, four of which were girls under the age 15.

She said to address the situation, DHMT had come up with different activities citing an outreach at Kareng Primary School and sexual reproductive health services including offering contraceptives to 35 pupils.

In addition, she said 52 learners were screened for sexually transmitted infections.

Planned activities include teen talk targeting 40 teenage girls and training of service providers on implanon insertion.

Dr Maripe-Ebutswe disclosed that Okavango DHMT had been allocated space at Nokaneng for provision of youth-friendly services.

With regard to drug availability, she said due to challenges still being experienced with Central Medical Stores order fill rate, it currently stood at 40 per cent.

Requesting supplementary funding, she said currently funds for the Ngami region were depleted. 

Updating on COVID-19 vaccination campaign, Dr Maripe-Ebutswe said the district had received 8 196 Johnson & Johnson doses and had vaccinated 758 teachers by the time of going to press.

She advised teachers outside Maun to take their jabs at local clinics. Ends