Namibia’s Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Esperance Luvindao, has called for stronger efforts to prevent the deaths of mothers and babies during childbirth. Speaking at the World Health Day event in Katima Mulilo on April 7, Dr. Luvindao said saving the lives of mothers and children is a national priority.
“No mother should die in the process of giving birth. These deaths are preventable,” she said.
Dr. Luvindao shared worrying figures from the World Health Organization (WHO), revealing that in 2020, Namibia recorded 215 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births and 19 newborn deaths for every 1,000 live births.
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She explained that the main causes of maternal deaths in Namibia such as heavy bleeding, high blood pressure, infections, and delivery complications can be avoided with proper care and education. “It’s not just about hospitals. Women also need to know the danger signs and get help early,” she added.
On the issue of newborn health, she pointed to preterm births, lack of oxygen at birth, infections, poor nutrition, and diarrhoea as major causes of death, many of which can also be prevented.
Namibia is committed to meeting global health targets by 2030, including reducing maternal deaths to fewer than 70 per 100,000 live births and cutting newborn deaths to below 12 per 1,000 live births.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has urged all countries to take fast and fair action to make sure every woman and newborn, no matter where they live or how much money they have can get quality healthcare, especially during childbirth.
WHO’s Country Representative, Dr. Richard Banda, spoke at the same event and highlighted the need to use technology and involve communities in improving health services.
“Progress is possible. We can stop the unnecessary deaths of mothers and babies,” said Dr. Banda. “A healthy start in life leads to a better future. Let’s work together for a world where every woman and newborn not only survives, but thrives.”
His message was in line with the theme for World Health Day 2025: “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.”
Both WHO and the Namibian government promised to keep working together to build strong, inclusive health systems that support even the most remote and vulnerable communities.
