WINDHOEK, Namibia – On July 29, 2024, the Government of Japan and UNFPA donated medical equipment to the Ministry of Health and Social Services to support maternal healthcare services in Namibia. The donation includes 67 bed screens on castors, eight gynecological couches, six physician scales, 15 cardiotocography (CTG) machines, three mobile ultrasound scanners with printers, and six doppler fetal heart rate monitors.

This equipment will benefit hospitals in the Zambezi, Kunene, and Ohangwena regions, assisting health facilities in providing services for women. The initiative is part of the Leaving No One Behind (LNOB) - Building Back Better from COVID-19 project, which addresses issues of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual and Reproductive Health.

“The commitment we are making today shows our determination to tackle the public health challenges faced by our communities,” said Hon. Dr. Esther Muinjangue, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services. “I appreciate the Government of Japan for their support and commitment to our shared vision.”

Japan is committed to supporting Namibia in building health systems that ensure no one is left behind.

H.E. Mr. Hisao Nishimaki, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Namibia, emphasized the role of international collaboration in improving health outcomes. “Japan is committed to supporting Namibia in building health systems that ensure no one is left behind,” he stated. “Through this donation, we aim to contribute to the health of all Namibians.”

The project implements interventions in three areas: livelihood support, life skills and mental health support, and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and GBV prevention and response.

Despite a decline in the maternal mortality ratio from 450 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 215 per 100,000 live births in 2020, challenges remain. Achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 70 per 100,000 live births requires an annual reduction rate of 10.6 percent, exceeding the current rate of 7.8 percent. Limited access to skilled birth attendance and emergency obstetric care in rural areas continues to contribute to maternal mortality.

Erika Goldson, UNFPA Namibia Representative, remarked, “Access to health care is a fundamental human right and an important part of development. The equipment provided today will help improve maternal and child health outcomes. I thank the Government and people of Japan for their support.”