Malnutrition affects 14,000 in Kavango East

The Kavango East Region has recorded 15 deaths due to malnutrition this year, with around 14,000 people affected. Last year, the region saw an increase in malnutrition cases with 2,716 affected and 30 deaths. HIV patients and pregnant women are among the affected groups. Governor of the Kavango East Region, Bonifatius Wakudumo.

According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, between September and December 2022, around 367,000 people, or 14% of the population, were experiencing crisis or worse levels of food insecurity.

Approximately 6,000 of these people were in a state of emergency. The regions of Kavango East, Kavango West, Kunene, Omaheke, and Oshikoto were classified as being in crisis. This period marks the first half of Namibia’s lean season when prices begin to rise and most households have depleted their production stocks. Despite this, there has been a significant improvement in the country’s food security situation compared to the previous year.

However, the food security situation was expected to worsen between January and March 2023, the latter half of Namibia’s lean season. During this time, 390,000 people are forecasted to experience high levels of acute food insecurity. The number of regions classified in crisis was also expected to rise to six, including Otjozondjupa in addition to the previously affected regions. Households are anticipated to exit the festive period with limited opportunities for casual work and face rising, above-average food prices exacerbated by inflation, increased fuel prices, and the Ukraine/Russia conflict, leading to further deterioration in food security.