Malnutrition claims 45 children's lives
Crisis in the Omaheke region
The regional governor appointed a task force after a child died of malnutrition every four days over the past six months.
"The poorest among us are currently paying a heavy price."This according to Basilius Kasera, a lecturer in religion, philosophy and applied ethics at the University of Namibia (Unam), in a media statement on Friday.
He responded to the statistics that 45 children had already died between January and June this year in the Omaheke region due to acute malnutrition.
According to the region's health director, Jeremia Shikula, 132 children with malnutrition were admitted to various facilities during this period.
"Sixteen of the children had been at the facilities before for the same reason and 45 died."
Malnutrition has several causes, such as a lack of essential nutrients or a poor absorption of nutrients.
Regional government Pijoo Nganate expressed his concern over the deaths.
Speaking on Gobabis last Wednesday, he said "this catastrophic situation requires a multisectoral and sustainable approach".
He has meanwhile appointed a task force to investigate the situation.
"My dream is a community where no child has to worry about where his or her next meal will come from."
Several existing soup kitchens - where the children can get free food - also help to combat malnutrition.
Mike Kavekotora, a parliamentarian from the Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP), said he was shocked that people in Namibia are still dying of hunger and malnutrition.
"We must begin to investigate why the majority of Namibians live in poverty in such a rich country.
"While Namibians are dying of hunger, there are those who are calling for a constitutional ban on the consumption of dog meat."
Kasera, a lecturer in religion, philosophy and applied ethics at the Unam, also commented on the deaths in a media statement on Friday.
Kasera added: "This is sad and serves as proof of our government's cruelty."
He condemned the government's failure to guarantee basic human rights.
"This shows the extent of socioeconomic inequality and a lack of prioritizing the interests of the less fortunate - especially children," the statement said.
In the past six months, a child has died every four days due to malnutrition in the region.
For this reason, according to Kasera, civil society organisations play a decisive role in bringing about radical political changes. Pressure must be put on the government. Measures and programs to alleviate poverty must be implemented and malnutrition must be combated effectively.