Namibia has reduced its maternal mortality ratio from 400 per every 100,000 deliveries to 139.
The statistic was shared during the local commemoration of World Health Day, held at the Katima Mulilo Sports Complex.
World Health Organisation Country Representative Richard Banda congratulated Namibia for being one of ten African countries that have met the "Every Woman, Every Newborn, Everywhere" target of no more than 140 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
He, however, noted some challenges, such as underfunded health systems, infrastructure gaps and health worker shortages.
"WHO commits and calls on government and relevant stakeholders to increase investment in maternal and newborn health, including infrastructure, human resources and essential medical supplies. Build strong health systems that can deliver high-quality, accessible and equitable care to all women and newborns."
The World Health Day commemoration was held under the theme "healthy beginnings, hopeful futures".
Health Minister Esperance Luvindao highlighted the importance of maternal and newborn health.
She emphasised the need for Namibia to meet WHO and UN targets of less than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 deliveries and less than 12 deaths per 1,000 neonatals by 2030.
Dr. Luvindao stated that most of the time, causes of maternal mortality deaths are preventable and require urgent action.
"No mother or child should die in the process of giving birth within the first 28 days of life, a few causes that I would like to highlight is some of the crucial causes because in as much as we applaud ourselves for the amazing work that we are doing, at the same time we do not ignore some of the causes and factors for these deaths, one of them I'd like to highlight being obstetric hemorrhage which in simple terms is severe bleeding, this can be anti-pomatum hemorrhage, post-partum hemorrhage and this can be leading during pregnancy or after a mother has given birth, hypertensive disorder, preeclampsia and other infections and complications during delivery some of the main causes of these maternal deaths in Namibia."
She emphasised that the focus should be on early detection in order to prevent the chance of death during birth.
The ministry also launched the national risk communication and community engagement strategy that will help to better respond to public health crises and engage communities in building a healthier nation.