WINDHOEK, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Namibia has launched an awareness and communication strategy for disaster management to educate the public on what to do in the case of a calamity.

The Office of the Prime Minister launched the strategy Wednesday during a one-day workshop in Windhoek.

The strategy seeks to raise awareness of Disaster Risk Management; change attitudes towards disaster prevention; and improve capacity for emergency preparedness.

Japhet Iitenge, who is the Director of Disaster Risk Management in the Office of the Prime Minister, said there was an information gap regarding disaster risk management.

Iitenge also said the Office of the Prime Minister asked the United Nations to help carry out an assessment on how to implement the Disaster Risk Management Act.

He further said that Namibia needs immediate public information and education on disaster or emergency preparedness, response, prevention and mitigation regarding fires, floods, droughts and diseases.

"The costs associated with natural disasters or emergencies continued to increase and placed more people at risk," Iitenge said.

Namibia is prone to hazards and disasters that reduce productivity, slow down logistics and cause a negative impact on socio-economic activities.

Currently, Namibia is grappling with an outbreak of hepatitis E and a possible drought, while cases of Congo fever have been confirmed and a malaria alert was issued Tuesday.