Kalumbi addresses women’s, children’s health

Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula has called for urgent global action to address the challenges hindering women’s, adolescents’ and children’s health worldwide.He was speaking on behalf of Namibia at the 76th World Health Assembly, which was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 21 to 30 May.He highlighted that numerous factors - including the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change and conflicts in certain regions - have compounded the existing barriers to accessing essential sexual, reproductive, maternal and child health services.Shangula emphasised the need to prioritise efforts in addressing these challenges to achieve the targets set out in the global strategy for women&#039;s, children&#039;s and adolescents&#039; health (2016–2030).He further expressed appreciation for the progress made in improving the health of these vulnerable populations, while stressing the significance of implementing key interventions to bridge existing gaps and accelerate further progress.InitiativesThe minister outlined several initiatives undertaken by Namibia to address these issues, including the provision of sexual and reproductive healthcare services such as family planning, human papillomavirus (HPV) screening and vaccination, and improved cervical cancer screening and treatment.He also highlighted the country’s efforts to strengthen regulatory and legal frameworks, combat gender-based violence, promote equality and enforce child protection measures.Furthermore, Shangula mentioned Namibia&#039;s revised adolescent-friendly health services standards and the launch of primary healthcare facility standards, both of which aim to ensure the delivery of high-quality health services.Meanwhile, he stressed the importance of data-driven decision-making, particularly in allocating budgets to the health sector.Namibia also announced its achievement of the Abuja Declaration target of allocating 15% of the national budget to health.Shangula urged the international community to mobilise resources to strengthen health systems, invest in primary healthcare, and implement universal health coverage.

Kalumbi addresses women’s, children’s health

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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Kalumbi addresses women’s, children’s health

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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