The fifth Millennium Development Goal (MDG5) calls for improving maternal health and focuses on two specific objectives: the reduction of global maternal mortality ratio (MMR) by two third and the universal access to reproductive health by the year 2015 (United Nations, 2013).
Recent data shows that globally the Maternal Mortality Ratio has seen a significant decrease from 400 per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 260 per 100,000 live births in 2008 (Zere et al, 2011). Despite this world progress, some 300,000 women died in 2013 from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth whereby 62% of the deaths occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa (United Nations, 2014).
Access to a comprehensive package of reproductive health services has seen an improvement with 83% of pregnant women attended by a skilled health worker at least once during their pregnancy in 2012 compare to 65% in 1990 (United Nations, 2014).
According to the United Nations (2014), there remain extreme differences in maternal mortality among countries with almost one third of global deaths concentrated in India (17%) and Nigeria (14%); with Sierra Leone being the Country with the highest MMR (1100 per 100,000 live births) while Belarus has the lowest (1 per 100,000 live births).
Namibia is one of the affected sub-Saharan countries. It is estimated that, everyday a woman dies in Namibia due to complications related to either pregnancy or childbirth. The Maternal Mortality ratio has increased from 225 per 100,000 live births in 1992 to 271 per 100,000 live births in 2000 and 449 per 100,000 live births in 2007/2008 (WHO, 2009).
This data has put the Country on a balance scale to initiate and develop policies and programs for the acceleration of the reduction of MMR against set targets and reverse the trends to achieve 75% reduction in accordance with the MDG5 target.
The purpose of this paper is to critically analyze policies, strategies and programs that were developed in Namibia to meet the global and country targets for the attainment of the MDG5.Also to evaluate the progress made ,discuss challenges and identify way forwards for local and global response.
This essay will review the Millennium Development Goals agenda, the Namibian Country health status in the context of MDG 5 and the policies, strategies and programs developed to mitigate Maternal Mortality.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Background to the Millennium Development Goals agenda
3 Background to the Namibian Health Status
4 Programs and policies developed for the attainment of MDG5 in Namibia
5 Way forward
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This paper critically analyzes the policies, strategies, and programs implemented in Namibia to achieve the Millennium Development Goal 5 (MDG5), which focuses on improving maternal health. It evaluates the progress made toward reducing the maternal mortality ratio, identifies ongoing systemic challenges such as inequality and inaccessibility to healthcare, and proposes future strategies for local and global response.
- Analysis of global and national maternal health trends.
- Evaluation of Namibian healthcare policies and development frameworks.
- Impact assessment of social and economic factors on maternal mortality.
- Identification of barriers to reproductive health service utilization.
- Strategic recommendations for post-2015 maternal health improvement.
Excerpt from the Book
3 Background to the Namibian Health Status
Namibia is situated in the Southwest part of Africa covering an area of 824,000km2. The country population is 2, 1 million with an annual growth rate estimated at 2.5 with sparsely population of which the majority live in the six Northern Regions where the density is higher than the national average of 2.2 per square meter.
Namibia is classified as upper middle income Country however the most inequal society in the World (MOHSS and WHO, 2010). Despite the small population, the Health and Demographic Survey conducted in 2007 indicates that the Country experiences critical socio-economic and health challenges that pose a threat to his national development plan agenda. In 2008, the employment rate was estimated at 37%, third of the population was estimated to be poor with 34% only having access to sanitation (NDHS, 2007).The health system inherited from the Colonial Government remained fragmented with services concentrated in the urban areas .The Ministry of Health and Social Services is the custodian of the Namibian health and wellbeing. Its mandate is to deliver quality health care services to the Namibian people. The Ministry operates in 9 National Directorates and 13 Regional Directorates. Primary Health care is the guiding principle for health care delivery in the Country. Health services are organized from outreach points (1,150), Clinics and Health posts (285), Health centers (30), District Hospitals (34), Intermediate Hospitals (3) to National referral Hospital (1).
Chapter Summaries
1 Introduction: Provides an overview of the global MDG5 initiative, detailing maternal mortality trends and establishing the specific context of the maternal health crisis in Namibia.
2 Background to the Millennium Development Goals agenda: Outlines the origins of the Millennium Declaration and the role of the eight MDGs in fostering sustainable development, with a specific focus on health-related goals.
3 Background to the Namibian Health Status: Discusses the socioeconomic and structural landscape of the Namibian healthcare system, highlighting the disparities and challenges impacting maternal outcomes.
4 Programs and policies developed for the attainment of MDG5 in Namibia: Examines specific national initiatives like CARMMA and PARMaCM that were launched to accelerate the reduction of maternal and child mortality.
5 Way forward: Proposes future strategies and necessary systemic reforms, emphasizing multisectoral accountability and improved resource allocation to reach health targets beyond 2015.
Keywords
Maternal Mortality, MDG5, Namibia, Reproductive Health, Healthcare Policy, Socioeconomic Inequality, Public Health, Skilled Birth Attendance, Healthcare Infrastructure, Sustainable Development, Maternal Health, Obstetric Care, Health System Strengthening, Millennium Development Goals, Mortality Ratio.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this document?
This document focuses on evaluating Namibia's progress in achieving the fifth Millennium Development Goal (MDG5), which aims to improve maternal health and reduce the maternal mortality ratio.
What are the central themes covered in the paper?
The paper covers the global MDG agenda, the specific health status and challenges within Namibia, national policy responses, and the persistent issue of healthcare inequality.
What is the main research question or goal?
The goal is to analyze the effectiveness of programs and strategies implemented in Namibia to meet MDG5 targets and to identify the remaining barriers to reducing maternal deaths.
Which scientific methods are utilized?
The paper employs a critical analysis of existing policies, national health surveys, demographic data, and comparative reviews of healthcare strategies.
What does the main body of the work address?
The main body addresses the background of the MDG agenda, the specific health infrastructure of Namibia, the launch of national campaigns like CARMMA, and an assessment of current mortality trends.
How can this work be categorized via keywords?
It is characterized by keywords such as Maternal Mortality, MDG5, Reproductive Health, Healthcare Policy, and Health System Strengthening.
How did the maternal mortality ratio in Namibia change between 1992 and 2008?
The ratio saw a significant increase, rising from 225 per 100,000 live births in 1992 to 449 per 100,000 live births in 2007/2008.
What role does wealth quintile play in maternal healthcare access?
The document notes significant inequities; women in the highest wealth quintile have much higher access to skilled birth attendants and modern contraceptive methods compared to those in the lowest quintile.
What are the 'three delays' contributing to maternal death?
The paper identifies these as the delay in seeking help, the delay in accessing health institutions, and the delay in receiving appropriate medical care.
What is recommended for the future of maternal health in Namibia?
The paper recommends a multisectoral approach, improved staff retention programs in the public sector, and a stronger system of accountability and data management.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Dr Leonard Kabongo (Autor:in), 2015, "No Woman Should Die While Giving Birth". A Discussion on the Progress Made and Limitations on Achieving the MDG5 in Namibia, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/305672
