Windhoek
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has once again emphasised the consequences of teenage pregnancies, saying they have a direct bearing on maternal mortality.
Statistics from UNFPA show that globally maternal deaths have decreased over the years. However, every year about 300 000 women die during pregnancy and childbirth.
In addition, nearly 3 million babies do not survive their first four weeks of life. A vast majority of these deaths take place in developing countries, according to the UNFPA.
In Namibia, 19 percent of women aged 15 to 19 have begun the childbearing process.
“Unplanned pregnancy particularly for adolescents (teenagers) has direct bearing on their future lives and that of their family,” said Israel Tjizake of the UNFPA on Saturday.
He said teenagers who fall pregnant are unlikely to complete their education and hence their chance to gain education and experience to succeed in life is derailed.
“Young people need the chance to gain the education and experience to succeed in a competitive global workplace that demands more skills, education and technical expertise than ever before,” said Tjizake, who spoke at the commemoration of ‘International Day of the Midwife’.
Furthermore, he cited the 2013 Demographic Health Survey of Namibia that indicates that 94 percent of women attended antenatal care from a skilled provider during pregnancy for their most recent births.
“This gives a record of 74 666 women in 2013. The health facilities delivery in Namibia is reported to be over 80 percent,” said Tjizake.
In addition, he said the fulfilment of sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, a role played by midwives, therefore, is not a sideline to inclusive national growth.
“It is essential for any society to achieve a demographic dividend,” he added, stressing that every woman and her newborn have the right to quality care during the childbearing process. On behalf of the Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Juliet Kavetuna, Ester Nepolo, the deputy chairperson of the Independent Midwives Association of Namibia (IMANA) said midwives who are educated to international standards can provide 87 percent of essential care needed for women and newborns.
“Increasing investments in the education of midwives and growing the number of midwives is the only way to ensure that there are enough qualified midwives to care for all women and newborns,” she added.