Background
Malaria was a major cause of mortality and morbidity in Namibia from 1999 to 2001. Malaria
epidemics were recorded in 1990, 1996, 2000 and in 2001. In 2001 alone 733, 509 malaria
morbidity cases and 1,728 mortality cases were documented. In recent years, however, malaria
morbidity and mortality in the country have drastically declined by over 90%. This has influenced
the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) in Namibia to adopt a malaria elimination
approach as opposed to the malaria case management approach. A malaria programme, known as
the National Vector Disease Control Program (NVDCP) was instituted and mandated to
coordinate malaria case management (diagnosis and treatment) as well as the current malaria
elimination focus (elimination of transmission foci). This is all aimed at effectively addressing the
current malaria epidemiology and sustain the decline observed over the last decade.
Aim and Methodology
The study’s purpose was to analyse how the Namibia Malaria Strategic Plan (MSP) for 2010-2016
was developed and its relationship to health promotion. It employed an exploratory design which
included stakeholders involved in malaria programmes and activities in the country. Data
collection methods were of a qualitative nature through in-depth interviews and documentary
review. Seven people were interviewed representing stakeholders from the public and private
sectors. Those interviewed from the public sector were the Ministry of Environment and Tourism
(MET), MoHSS’s division for Malaria, Policy Planning and Information Education and
Communication (IEC). Others interviewed included national and international non-governmental
organizations’ representatives from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Society for Family
Health (SFH). Documents reviewed include MSP 2010-2016, MSP 2003-2007, Malaria Policy of
2005, National Health Promotion policy 2012 and the Namibian Constitution. Data was analysed
using content and thematic processes. Respondents were assured of confidentiality and
anonymity