Namibia is intensifying efforts to end preventable maternal and child deaths through strong leadership, robust data systems, and continuous quality improvement. In 2023, the country released the second edition of its National Guidelines for Reviewing and Responding to Maternal Deaths, Near Misses, Stillbirths, and Neonatal Deaths. These guidelines inform the work of the National Maternal Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Review Committee (NMSNDRC), which analyses avoidable deaths and recommends corrective measures to improve outcomes.

With technical and financial support from the World Health Organization (WHO), the NMSNDRC conducted regional visits and provided technical support towards drafting of the triennial review report (2021–2024), alongside a policy brief summarizing key findings. The Chairperson, accompanied by committee members from WHO and the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), presented the brief to the Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Esperance Luvindao, and to the Executive Director of the Ministry, Mr. Penda Ithindi, in separate high-level meetings. Some of the challenges identified by the committee included the absence of designated positions within the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) staff establishment to coordinate NMSNDRC activities, as well as delays in responding to surveillance findings and implementing the corresponding recommendations.

Namibia has achieved a significant reduction in its maternal mortality ratio, from over 450 in 2000 to 139 in 2023, although still double the SDG 3.1 target of 70 deaths per 100 000 live deliveries. However, neonatal mortality remains high at 24 per 1,000 live births, similarly, double the SDG target of 12 deaths per 1000 live births. The main causes of maternal mortality including hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, and abortive outcomes, reflect broader regional trends.

“I reaffirm the Government’s unwavering commitment to ending preventable maternal and child deaths. I will ensure that the ministry’s structures are fully responsive to the challenges identified by the National Maternal Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Review Committee, and that appropriate actions are taken without delay” said Dr. Luvindao.

The government has committed to integrating Maternal Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) into the Primary Health Care Directorate, allocating funding through the RMNCAH Strategy, and creating staff positions for NMSNDRC. Through the Plan-Do-Study-Act quality improvement cycles and evidence-based reviews, Namibia is driving impactful action for maternal and neonatal health within its Universal Health Care (UHC) framework.