National Statement by H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of The Republic of Namibia, on the Occasion of The Urgent High-Level Virtual Meeting of African Heads of State and Government on The Cholera Situation in Africa, Convened Under the African Union 04 June 2025 Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, Distinguished Representatives. 1. Allow me at the onset to join my fellow colleagues, in thanking H.E. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia for calling this “Emergency HighLevel Virtual Meeting of African Heads of State and Government on the Cholera Situation in Africa”. 2. Namibia aligns itself with the statements made thus far and expresses its profound concern regarding the escalating cholera crisis across the African Region. The reported cases and deaths in 20 African Union Member States are indeed alarming and demand immediate, and coordinated action. We extend our deepest condolences to the affected nations and families. 3. Namibia recognizes the multi-faceted challenges fuelling this crisis, including fragile health systems, inadequate access to safe water and sanitation, and the impacts of climate change and insecurity. 4. While Namibia has been diligently working towards cholera elimination, maintaining a consistent zero reporting of epidemic-prone cholera cases since 2014, we acknowledge the potential threat posed by regional outbreaks, particularly the ongoing situation in Angola. Our National Multi-Hazard Emergencies Preparedness and Response Plan, launched in March 2025, identified Cholera as one of the 12 prioritized hazards in Namibia, and this underscores our commitment to proactive measures. 5. We have enhanced our surveillance systems, secured rapid diagnostic testing kits, and are actively monitoring water sources. Community education campaigns are ongoing, and we are strengthening the capacity of our healthcare workers to effectively manage potential cases. 6. To effectively combat this crisis, Namibia proposes the following recommendations for consideration: 6.1 Strengthen Regional Surveillance and Cross-Border Collaboration: We must enhance cross-border surveillance and information sharing to rapidly detect and respond to outbreaks. 6.2 Invest in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Infrastructure: Prioritize investments in water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure, particularly in vulnerable communities. 6.3 Enhance Emergency Preparedness and Response Capacity: Strengthen national emergency preparedness and response plans, including stockpiling essential supplies and training healthcare workers. 7. In closing, Namibia reiterates its commitment to working collaboratively with all African Union Member States, Africa CDC, WHO, and other partners to address this urgent health crisis. I thank you.