Sexual Health and Rights in Namibia
AIDS |
AIDS is the leading cause of death in Namibia. 22% of the adult
population live with HIV. Estimated HIV prevalence rates for girls/women
15-24 years old is 20%, for boys/men 9%. Girls are infected at
a younger age than are boys. (UNFPA). |
Life Expectancy |
has plummeted to 43 years. |
Children |
The official number of orphans in Namibia is 82,000, and the number could nearly
double within ten years. |
Maternal Mortality |
370 deaths per 100,000 live births (World Bank 2002). |
Teen Pregnancy |
20% of all births are to mothers under age 20. |
Abortion |
Illegal, unsafe abortion is a significant problem. Abortion
is legal to save the life or physical health of the woman and
in cases of rape, incest and fetal impairment. Three physicians
are required to certify grounds for an abortion. Women of means
travel to South Africa for abortions; others attempt to induce
abortion themselves using many of the same means that were used
in the U.S. prior to legalization. See The
Namibian for more information. |
Lesbian/Gay Rights |
Homophobic rhetoric and discrimination against lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender
people is a concern especially at high levels of government in
Namibia. There is a gay rights movement. See Human
Rights Watch report for more information. |
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