Namibia has taken a significant step to enhance the health and well-being of women, children, and adolescents with the official launch of two critical health policy documents by the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) on 9 October 2025 in Windhoek. Supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and partner organizations, the launch introduced the National Strategy for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH&N) 2025/2026–2029/2030 and the Triennial Report on the Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths, Stillbirths, and Neonatal Deaths, covering the period from April 2021 to March 2024.
The RMNCAH&N Strategy serves as a comprehensive roadmap to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aligns with the WHO Global Strategy for Women, Children, and Adolescent Health (2016–2030). It reflects Namibia’s renewed commitment to ending preventable maternal and child deaths and improving access to quality, equitable healthcare services. While Namibia has expanded healthcare access over the years, challenges remain in maternal and neonatal mortality, adolescent health, and nutrition. The strategy seeks to address these issues through evidence-based guidelines, integrated care, and multisectoral collaboration that empowers communities and strengthens healthcare systems.
The Confidential Enquiry report, prepared by the National Maternal, Stillbirth, Neonatal Death Review Committee (NMSNDRC), examines causes of death, identifies avoidable factors, and recommends actionable interventions to improve outcomes. The report reviewed 150 maternal deaths, with leading causes identified as hypertension in pregnancy (16.7%), haemorrhage (16%), and abortive outcomes (12%). Its findings will guide national health policies, inform clinical practices, and help translate lessons into life-saving interventions across the country.
Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Esperance Luvindao, emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to delivering quality, equitable health services under the new RMNCAH&N Strategy. She highlighted the importance of evidence-based interventions, data-driven solutions, and healthcare workforce capacity-building, while stressing the need for innovation, investment, and stakeholder collaboration. Dr. Luvindao underscored that the success of the strategy relies on the active engagement of all stakeholders, aiming to ensure no woman, child, or adolescent is left behind.
Namibia has made notable progress in maternal health over the past two decades, with the Maternal Mortality Ratio declining from 400 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 139 in 2025, though still above the global target of fewer than 70 per 100,000 by 2030. The RMNCAH&N Strategy sets ambitious targets to reduce maternal deaths to 60 per 100,000 live births, neonatal mortality from 24 to 10 per 1,000 live births, and accelerate reductions in under-five mortality from 41 per 1,000 births to 10 per 1,000 by 2030.
WHO, represented by Dr. Juliet Nabyonga, Health System Advisor, commended Namibia’s commitment to strengthening its health system and highlighted the strategic importance of the RMNCAH&N Strategy. She emphasized the need to institutionalize primary healthcare, integrate services, and empower communities, while reaffirming WHO’s support in evidence-based guidance, capacity building, and accountability.
The launch of these two key documents underscores Namibia’s prioritization of maternal, newborn, and adolescent health, reinforcing national and global efforts to improve health outcomes, advance equity in healthcare, and achieve the SDGs.
