Situation of children in Namibia
Building a child-friendly Namibia, leaving no child behind
After 30 years of Independence, a whole generation of Namibians born into freedom have been educated, remain healthy and have voted in the 2010 general elections for the first time. Primary school enrolment has remained above 90% since 2000. 80% of the country has access to improved water sources. Ante-natal attendance and immunization levels are relatively high and over 80 % of births are attended by skilled professionals and birth registration services are available in all hospitals.
In 2012 Namibia was declared an upper middle-income country, but income inequality in Namibia remains among the highest in the world. Despite having a high per capita income, and increasing gross domestic product, a third of all children live in poverty.
Much progress has been made in the social sector, however the increasing food insecurity, underlying poverty, recurrent natural disasters, and despite strong political will and commitment and efforts to bring services closer to people, diminishing capacity at all levels, requires extra effort to reach the developmental goals that Namibia has set for itself.
Running the final lap for Namibia’s children requires a redoubling of efforts. The born free generation of adolescents and young adults need to be reached with quality and equitable education including innovative solutions for employment creation, healthcare, protection and life skills. Violence against children, child poverty and vulnerability must be addressed through holistic social policy and social protection system and measures.
