Namibia Launches National Strategy to Strengthen Maternal and Child Health

Namibia Launches National Strategy to Strengthen Maternal and Child Health. The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has launched the National Strategy for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Adolescent Health and Nutrition (2025/2026–2029/2030) alongside the Triennial Report on the Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths, Stillbirths and Neonatal Deaths for the period April 2021 to March 2024.

The new strategy provides a comprehensive roadmap to improve the quality and accessibility of health services across Namibia, with a strong focus on women, newborns, children, and adolescents. It reinforces the country’s commitment to achieving maternal and neonatal health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

According to the report, Namibia’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has declined from 449 per 100,000 live births in 2006 to 139 per 100,000 live births today — a notable improvement, though still higher than the global target of fewer than 70 per 100,000 by 2030. Neonatal mortality currently stands at 24 per 1,000 live births, while under-five mortality is at 41 per 1,000 live births.

Despite progress, challenges remain in areas such as exclusive breastfeeding and child nutrition. The exclusive breastfeeding rate is 49%, far from the ideal target of universal breastfeeding for the first six months. Meanwhile, stunting affects 24% of children under five, driven by poor nutrition, limited healthcare access, and sanitation challenges.

The strategy outlines key priorities including improved antenatal and postnatal care, expanded immunization, management of childhood illnesses, and enhanced adolescent sexual and reproductive health services.

Through this renewed focus, the MoHSS aims to accelerate progress toward equitable, high-quality healthcare that ensures every Namibian mother and child not only survives but thrives.