Neftaly: Reducing Malaria Incidence to Below 1 Case per 1,000 Population in Every District of Namibia by 2017
Malaria remains one of the most pressing health challenges in Namibia, particularly in the northern and northeastern regions. Although progress has been made, malaria continues to threaten lives, economic productivity, and the resilience of health systems. Neftaly, in alignment with the Namibian Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), set an ambitious but achievable target:
To reduce the incidence of malaria to fewer than 1 case per 1,000 population in every district of Namibia by 2017.
This target reflects a strategic shift from malaria control to malaria elimination, supporting Namibia’s vision to become one of the first countries in sub-Saharan Africa to eliminate the disease.
Strategic Approach
Neftaly supported a comprehensive and data-driven approach to malaria elimination by focusing on five key pillars:
1. Universal Access to Prevention
- Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) were distributed to households in at-risk areas, targeting children and pregnant women
- Indoor residual spraying (IRS) was expanded and maintained at high coverage levels across all endemic districts
- Communities were mobilized through health education campaigns to promote net use and environmental vector control
2. Timely and Accurate Diagnosis
- Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) were scaled up to ensure malaria could be confirmed quickly and accurately at all primary health facilities
- Health workers were trained to implement test-before-treat protocols, reducing unnecessary use of antimalarial drugs
- Mobile outreach units brought testing services to remote and mobile populations
3. Effective Case Management
- Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) were made widely available and administered according to national treatment guidelines
- Integrated community case management (iCCM) helped extend timely care into hard-to-reach areas
- Follow-up systems were introduced to track treatment adherence and ensure complete recovery
4. Surveillance for Action
- A real-time, district-level malaria surveillance system was established to detect outbreaks and monitor progress
- Case-based investigation and focal response interventions were implemented in low-incidence areas
- Data was used to prioritize interventions and allocate resources efficiently
5. Cross-Border and Regional Coordination
- Neftaly supported cross-border collaboration with Angola and other neighbors through the Elimination 8 (E8) initiative
- Border screening, joint IRS campaigns, and data sharing helped reduce imported cases and regional transmission
Key Outcomes by 2017
- Malaria incidence dropped below 1 case per 1,000 population in most districts
- Malaria-related deaths decreased significantly, with near-zero mortality in several regions
- Over 90% of households in endemic areas owned at least one insecticide-treated net
- District-level health teams were empowered to lead surveillance, response, and prevention activities
- Namibia strengthened its status as a front-runner in malaria elimination in sub-Saharan Africa
Conclusion
By combining prevention, innovation, and strong partnerships, Neftaly helped Namibia come closer to its goal of eliminating malaria as a public health threat. The milestone of reducing malaria incidence to below 1 case per 1,000 population by 2017 not only protected lives but also built a resilient foundation for sustainable health development.