Did you know that Namibia has yet to meet its set targets for reducing maternal and neonatal deaths as outlined in the country’s 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey?

Development Diaries reports that 145 women have died while giving birth, while 1,066 stillbirths were recorded between 2018 and 2021, according to the 2022 Maternal Deaths, Stillbirths, and Neonatal Deaths, Namibia report.

The country aimed to reduce maternal deaths from 385 to 200 per 100,000 live births by 2018 and to 50 by 2035.

In a similar vein, by 2018, neonatal mortality was expected to drop from 20 to ten per 1,000 live births.

Although there has been some progress, more work must be done if Namibia is to meet these goals by 2050.

Growing maternal, newborn deaths

Namibia’s health care system and general development are seriously hampered by the high rate of maternal and newborn deaths there.

Lack of access to high-quality health care, especially in rural regions, is one of the main problems. Transportation problems, lack of qualified health care workers, and poor infrastructure make it difficult for residents in remote areas to get to medical facilities.

This makes providing timely and efficient treatment for mothers and newborns more difficult.

Additionally, poverty, lack of education, and limited awareness about proper health care practices contribute to delayed or inadequate prenatal care.

Women in low-income households may not have the means to access health care services, resulting in higher risks during pregnancy and childbirth.

Culture, beliefs

Cultural practices and beliefs can influence maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Some traditional practices may not align with modern health care standards, leading to complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

Cultural factors can also impact decisions related to family planning, leading to unintended pregnancies and increased maternal risks.

Namibia has faced challenges related to teenage pregnancies, which pose higher risks for both mothers and newborns. Teenage mothers often lack adequate prenatal care, nutrition, and emotional support, contributing to higher rates of complications and mortality.

Since accurate data collection and reporting are crucial for comprehending the extent of maternal and neonatal mortality, issues with data collection systems, such as underreporting and inconsistencies, may impede the development and implementation of effective health care policies and interventions.

Government initiatives, collaboration with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and international support are crucial in overcoming these challenges and improving the health outcomes for mothers and newborns in Namibia.

Development Diaries calls on the Namibian government to prioritise improvements in health care infrastructure, increased access to quality maternal and neonatal care, community education, and addressing the social and cultural determinants of health.