UNFPA Assists Flood Victims in Namibia

Over 5,000 people were displaced and 62 others were killed earlier this year in Namibia, when heavy rains hit the Northern region of the country. Roads, schools, grazing areas, fields, traditional homesteads, houses and shopping complexes were either washed away or severely damaged by the flood.

For a third consecutive year, a state of emergency was declared. This year’s flood is however considered to be the worst in years, as over 20 health clinics were flooded or inaccessible. Those hospitals and clinics which remained accessible were overstretched and therefore required supplementary assistance and supplies.

To respond to the crisis, the UNFPA country office distributed reproductive health kits in affected areas with the help of partners such as the Namibian Red Cross. “We have been supporting the Nambian government in strengthening health facilities in the regions which are most affected by the floods each year,” explained, Dr. Lawrence Mbangson, UNFPA’s Representative in Namibia, “we have not only ensured that health facilities are prepared for the eventuality of such disasters, but we also continue our support when affected populations are still recovering from the impact of the floods.”

The reproductive health kits were handed over to Oshana regional council during an official ceremony. Mrs. Dorkas Kapembe-Haiduwa, Secretary General of the Namibian Red Cross Society, thanked UNFPA for its support and mentioned that “the kits will enable the Red Cross to improve the quality of services and help protect flood victims from infectious diseases.”