24 Aug 2022

Ngamiland has recorded six deaths from 788 cases of diarrhoea since June.

Speaking at the ongoing Maun Administrative Authority sub-council meeting, chairperson Vepaune Moreti stated that Ngamiland began experiencing a peak in diarrhoea cases mid-June, with 13 cases that saw dehydration on patients reaching the action threshold.

The chairperson stated that the DHMT had strengthened its response and surveillance measures in order to contain the spread of the disease, with the support of Ministry of Health, who provided an additional technical and human resource support.

Further, Cllr Moreti said the DHMT, through the office of the district commissioner, received a vehicle to assist in combating the outbreak with all 30 Ngamiland facilities having been visited for mentoring and support.

He advised members of the public to remain calm and vigilant, adding that they should visit the nearest health facility should they experience any unusual symptoms.

“These symptoms include dehydration, vomiting, decrease in urination, dry lips, sunken eyes, fever, nausea, blood or mucus in the stool and loose bowels for more than three times a day,” he said.

He further advised the public to keep their environment clean and maintain high standards of hygiene, which included washing hands regularly with clean water and soap.

Cllr Moreti stated that Ngamiland experienced the just- ended COVID-19 fifth wave, with 467 cases registered compared to 2478 cases during the fourth wave.

This, he said, was a remarkable decline in the number of cases and deaths, adding that one death was registered during the fifth wave.

Mr Moreti highlighted that a total of 62 745 clients were fully vaccinated, while 71 403 received the first dose, saying performance against the overall target of 73 622 stood at 85.2 per cent for Ngamiland Sub-district.

The chairperson said the first and second booster dosing were ongoing, adding that the ministry had taken the decision to vaccinate the five to 11-year-old children when schools re-open next week. ENDS