Namibia: Difference between revisions

Generally speaking, Namibia is a country where health care options will vary widely, depending on someone's social status and geographic location. In urban areas, like Windhoek, you can find higher quality and modern medical facilities, though these private facilities are unaffordable to much of the populace. However, in more rural areas, women may depend on small clinics, which are run by the government or church associations, or sometimes traditional healers. In cities, there are many responsive and high-quality pharmacies, which sell a variety of contraceptive options, though most contraceptive methods, including birth control pills, do require a prescription. Furthermore, emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills) are legal and, while some official sources may state that they are by prescription-only, they appear to be sold over-the-counter. The fertility rate, as of 2017, is 3.29 children born per woman.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2127rank.html#wa CIA World Factbook - COUNTRY COMPARISON :: TOTAL FERTILITY RATE]</ref> There are many options for STI tests, including self-test kits for HIV, as well as clinics and hospitals. While the country has struggled with an HIV epidemic, it has shown progress in terms of increasing the number of people who know their status and are receiving treatment. Regarding menstrual products, pads/pantyliners and tampons can be found in urban pharmacies and markets, though they may not be affordable to all people. For new mothers, maternity leave of 12 weeks is granted under the law. Abortion is only legally permitted in certain circumstances, but it is not available upon request.