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Namibia winning neonatal mortality battle

Elizabeth Kheibes
Namibia is making great strides in reducing neonatal mortality rates.

Deputy health minister Ester Muinjangue, speaking during the 10th anniversary of World Prematurity Day last week, revealed that Namibia's neonatal mortality rate has dropped from 32 out of 1 000 live births in 2000 to 20 out of 1 000 live births at present.

This year, the day was commemorated under the theme 'Small actions, Big Impact: Immediate skin-to-skin care for every baby everywhere'.

"Between January and September 2023, the Windhoek Central Hospital neonatal unit admitted 620 preterm newborns," she said.

"Unfortunately, 76 premature newborns did not survive, with preterm birth being the primary cause, alongside other contributing factors," she added.

Muinjangue said premature infants who do survive often face a lifetime of disability or chronic illness.

Muinjangue said the ministry "is not passively waiting for better days but actively striving for a brighter future for mothers and children".

- Elizabeth //Kheibes

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Namibian Sun 2025-02-12

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