Global Partners    

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.


  In This Section:

NAPPA: Our Partner

Snapshot of Namibia

Sexual Health in Namibia

Letters from Namibia

Namibian Scrap Book

US Policy & Global Health

AIDS in Africa

Global AIDS Fund

Inter. Family Planning

UNFPA

Global Gag Rule


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