Windhoek: The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Esperance Luvindao, has called on different groups in society, ranging from faith-based organisations to government agencies, to invest in the national strategy for reproductive health and other areas.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the minister made the call on Thursday in Windhoek during the official launch of the National Strategy for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH and N), and the Triennial Report on the confidential enquiry into maternal deaths, stillbirths and neonatal deaths from 01 April to 31 March 2024. Currently, Namibia's maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is predicted to be 139 per 100,000 live births. The framework is set to operate from 2025 to 2030, and it is estimated to cost about N.dollars 8.55 billion over the course of five years.
'I am calling on NGOs, faith-based organisations, academia, ministries, agencies, the private sector, business communities, and all organisations to invest in the strategies highlighted in this document,' she said. In a speech delivered on her behalf, the minister noted that to succeed, the framework relies not only on institutions, but also on the dedication of individuals. 'It is our responsibility, all of us, to ensure that we implement this strategy,' she stated.
Addressing the same event, Country Representative of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Samuel Ocran reasserted the organisation's devotion to collaborating with Namibia in establishing a proper national health system. 'I just want to reaffirm UNICEF's unwavering commitment to work alongside the Government of Namibia, WHO, UNFPA and all the other UN agencies and partners in implementing this strategy to build stronger and more equitable health systems,' Ocran stressed.
Speaking on behalf of the Country Representative of the World Health Organisation, Dr Richard Banda, WHO's Dr Juliet Nabyonga-Orem encouraged everyone to ensure that the plans set are realised to help bring change in the health sector. 'Let us transform these commitments into measurable results: end preventable deaths, [create] healthier families, and a stronger, more resilient health system,' he said.