Watery alert

WATERY ALERT: North West District Braces for Diarrhea Outbreak as Thamalakane River Flows Again

As the Thamalakane river begins to flow once more, the North West District is gearing up for a potential outbreak of diarrhea among young children, a recurring problem that has claimed lives in the past. Deputy Permanent Secretary in Primary Health Services, Dr. Sandra Maripe-Ebutswe, has sounded the alarm, warning of the heightened risk of diarrhea diseases in the district, particularly among children under the age of five. The Thamalakane river, which runs across Maun, has a history of overflowing during the winter months, filling up with water from the Angola highlands and neighboring Namibia. This influx of water brings with it a heightened risk of contaminated water sources, which can lead to diarrhea outbreaks. Dr. Maripe-Ebutswe has cautioned that the district typically experiences an upsurge in diarrhea cases around August and September, when the water levels in the river significantly decrease. Last year's devastating outbreak, which occurred between July and August, resulted in the loss of 17 young lives, with 622 reported cases of diarrhea in the district. The outbreak was particularly severe, with eight children dying while receiving medical attention, and nine being brought in already deceased. The Deputy Permanent Secretary has urged the community to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the disease. To mitigate the risk of a diarrhea outbreak, Dr. Maripe-Ebutswe has advised the public to maintain high standards of hygiene, including thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables before consumption, washing hands with clean water and soap, and boiling water for children before drinking it. She has also stressed the importance of visiting the nearest health facility if symptoms such as dehydration, vomiting, or loose bowels persist. The Thamalakane river's annual flooding is a natural phenomenon, with water traveling over 1,000 kilometers from the Cuito river in Angola, merging with the Cubango river in Namibia, and eventually flowing into Botswana through the Mohembo panhandle. While the flooding brings much-needed water to the region, it also poses a significant health risk to the local population. As the district prepares for the potential outbreak, community leaders, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations are urged to join forces to spread awareness about the risks of diarrhea and the importance of taking preventative measures. By working together, it is hoped that the impact of the outbreak can be minimized, and the lives of young children can be protected. In conclusion, the flow of the Thamalakane river is a timely reminder of the importance of prioritizing public health, particularly in areas prone to natural disasters and water-borne diseases. As the district braces for a potential diarrhea outbreak, it is essential that the community remains informed, vigilant, and proactive in taking steps to prevent the spread of the disease. By doing so, we can work together to protect the lives of our most vulnerable citizens – our children.