Today, the World Health Organization in Botswana warned that cuts in global health funding could jeopardize essential maternal and newborn healthcare services across Africa. With shrinking budgets, critical programs aimed at reducing maternal mortality – recently measured at 175.5 deaths per 100,000 live births in Botswana – face unprecedented challenges.
During the World Health Day observance in Gaborone, Juliet Bataringaya emphasized that underfunded health systems, infrastructure gaps, and workforce shortages are widening health disparities. Women and children, already at risk, may suffer the most from these setbacks.
Acting Minister of Health Lawrence Ookeditse called for an urgent expansion of antenatal care, the promotion of safe deliveries, enhanced HIV testing, and improved management of pregnancy-related complications. His message serves as a rallying cry: sustained investment and resilient grassroots interventions are pivotal to safeguarding lives.
The 2025 World Health Day campaign, "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures," shines a spotlight on the necessity of robust maternal and newborn health services. In a world where every funding cut affects real lives, it's a call to action for all who believe in a healthier future for Africa. ✨
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WHO warns funding cuts threaten maternal, newborn health in Africa
cgtn.com
