WHO cautions that budget reductions jeopardize maternal and newborn well-being in Africa
The World Health Organization (WHO) in Botswana announced on Monday that cuts in global health funding could severely affect essential maternal and neonatal healthcare services in Africa, putting millions at risk. During the World Health Day...
TroibNews 
The World Health Organization (WHO) in Botswana announced on Monday that cuts in global health funding could severely affect essential maternal and neonatal healthcare services in Africa, putting millions at risk.
During the World Health Day commemoration in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, Juliet Bataringaya, the officer in charge of WHO Botswana, pointed out that underfunded health systems, gaps in infrastructure, and shortages in the healthcare workforce are exacerbating health disparities that disproportionately affect women and children.
She observed that due to shrinking budgets, programs and medical research dedicated to maternal and child health are already experiencing cutbacks.
Data from Botswana's Ministry of Health reveals that the country's maternal mortality ratio was recorded at 175.5 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022—significantly exceeding the WHO's target of 70 by 2030. Fluctuations in this ratio since 2015, which have ranged between 127 and 240 deaths, indicate ongoing challenges.
Acting Minister of Health Lawrence Ookeditse highlighted the importance of expanding antenatal care, encouraging safe deliveries, increasing HIV testing, and improving the management of pregnancy-related complications.
Botswana is facing increasing pressure to reduce maternal mortality amidst declining global health funding. Stakeholders are urging for sustained investment, prioritization of policies, and bolstered grassroots health initiatives to safeguard vulnerable populations and meet international health objectives.
World Health Day, which is observed every year on April 7, commemorates the anniversary of the WHO's establishment and aims to raise awareness of critical global health issues. The campaign for 2025 focuses on maternal and newborn survival under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.”
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
During the World Health Day commemoration in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, Juliet Bataringaya, the officer in charge of WHO Botswana, pointed out that underfunded health systems, gaps in infrastructure, and shortages in the healthcare workforce are exacerbating health disparities that disproportionately affect women and children.
She observed that due to shrinking budgets, programs and medical research dedicated to maternal and child health are already experiencing cutbacks.
Data from Botswana's Ministry of Health reveals that the country's maternal mortality ratio was recorded at 175.5 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022—significantly exceeding the WHO's target of 70 by 2030. Fluctuations in this ratio since 2015, which have ranged between 127 and 240 deaths, indicate ongoing challenges.
Acting Minister of Health Lawrence Ookeditse highlighted the importance of expanding antenatal care, encouraging safe deliveries, increasing HIV testing, and improving the management of pregnancy-related complications.
Botswana is facing increasing pressure to reduce maternal mortality amidst declining global health funding. Stakeholders are urging for sustained investment, prioritization of policies, and bolstered grassroots health initiatives to safeguard vulnerable populations and meet international health objectives.
World Health Day, which is observed every year on April 7, commemorates the anniversary of the WHO's establishment and aims to raise awareness of critical global health issues. The campaign for 2025 focuses on maternal and newborn survival under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.”
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
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