Namibia / Main health risks for Namibia

Main health risks for Namibia

	Diseases transmitted by insects or animals The whole country is malarial, with a increased presence of the disease in northeastern Namibia, east of an Oshakati-Gobabis lines (regions of Ohangwena, Oshana, Oshikoto, Okavango, east of Otjozondjupa and Omaheke). Incidence is lower in Kunene, Omusati, west of Otjozondjupa and Khomas as well as in the rest of the country. Strains are highly resistant to chloroquine (zone 3). Malaria is the highest cause of illness and mortality among children under five years of age and the third leading cause among adults. Plague has been identified in the country, the the risk for travelers is small. There are cases of animal rabies in the country.
	Diseases transmitted by food, water or through the environment Diarrheic diseases are frequent among travelers who do not take precautions. Cases of cholera appeared in 2007 in the region of Kunene and Omusati, and spread to Ohangwena. Hygiene measures are necessary. In order to minimize risks, it is recommended to wash hands thoroughly before meals, and to use uncontaminated water. There is a risk of poliomyelitis; in June 2006, after 10 years without any reported case, a poliomyelitis outbreak - imported from India - hit the country.
	Diseases transmitted by contact with infected people The HIV prevalence is preoccupying. Namibia is one of the four countries most hardly hit by the AIDS epidemics: 18% of the adult population is HIV-positive. Several cases of cerebrospinal meningitis have been reported in Windhoek. The country is currently affected by the ongoing outbreak of influenza A / H1N1, but its severity does not appear different from the rest of the world. Worldwide, the vast majority of H1N1 illnesses have been mild, and most deaths have occurred among pregnant women or among people with underlying medical conditions, including respiratory conditions, diabetes, heart disease and immune deficiency.

Hospitals in Windhoek

Medi Clinic, PO Box 9819 Eros, Heliodoor Street: phone + 264 61 222 687

Catholic Mission Hospital: phone + 264 61 270 29 11

Urgences: phone + 264 61 270 21 43 ou 20 06

Katatura State Hospital, Private Bag 13215: phone + 264 61 203 911

Rhino Park Private Hospital, Rhino Park, Horsea Kutako Drive: phone + 264 61 37 5000

Main health risks for Namibia

Diseases transmitted by insects or animals

Diseases transmitted by food, water or through the environment

Diseases transmitted by contact with infected people

Hospitals in Windhoek

Hospitals in Walvis Bay

Hospitals in Otjiwarongo

	Hospitals in Windhoek Medi Clinic, PO Box 9819 Eros, Heliodoor Street: phone + 264 61 222 687 Catholic Mission Hospital: phone + 264 61 270 29 11 Urgences: phone + 264 61 270 21 43 ou 20 06 Katatura State Hospital, Private Bag 13215: phone + 264 61 203 911 Rhino Park Private Hospital, Rhino Park, Horsea Kutako Drive: phone + 264 61 37 5000
	Hospitals in Walvis Bay Welwitschia Hospital: phone + 264 64 21 89 11 State Hospital: phone + 264 64 21 63 00 Ambulance: phone + 264 64 20 98 32
	Hospitals in Otjiwarongo Ambulances: phone + 264 67 30 10 14 Otjiwarongo Medi-Clinic, PO Box 1085 Otjiwarongo, Sonn Street: phone + 264 64 651 3734, fax + 264 64 651 3542