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'''OVERVIEW''' | '''OVERVIEW''' | ||
Generally speaking, Namibia is a country where health care options will vary widely, depending on someone's social status, personal values, and geographic location. It is important to understand that the people of Namibia are generally religious, with the majority practicing some form of Christianity (80% to 90% of the population). Furthermore, much of the populace lives in rural areas. Certainly, in urban areas, like Windhoek, you can find higher quality and modern medical facilities, though these private facilities are not affordable to everyone. 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> | |||
The country has struggled with an HIV epidemic, but it has shown progress in terms of increasing the number of people who know their status and are receiving treatment. There are many options related to STI tests, including self-test kits for HIV, as well as seeking tests at clinics and hospitals. Regarding menstrual products, pads/pantyliners and tampons can be found in urban pharmacies and markets. You can also find menstrual cups in certain pharmacies. For new mothers, maternity leave of 12 weeks is granted by law. Abortion is only legally permitted in certain circumstances, but it is not available upon request. | |||
==Contraception (Birth Control)== | ==Contraception (Birth Control)== | ||
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In 2015, it was estimated that about 57% of Namibian women (who were married/in unions and of reproductive age) used some form of birth control, including traditional methods, which was a bit lower than the Southern African average (64% of women using contraceptives). Furthermore, it was found that about 17% of women had unmet family planning needs, which was higher than the Southern African average (13% had unmet needs). The most common forms of contraception for Namibian women was contraceptive injectables (28%). This was followed by male condoms (12%), birth control pills (7%), and female sterilization (6%). There were low rates of usage for IUDs (1%), contraceptive implants (less than 1%), and male sterilization (less than 1%). There were practically no users of vaginal barrier methods (0%). Traditional methods, such as the rhythm method or withdrawal, had low usage as well (less than 1%, respectively).<ref>[http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/family/trendsContraceptiveUse2015Report.pdf Trends in Contraceptive Use Worldwide 2015]</ref> | In 2015, it was estimated that about 57% of Namibian women (who were married/in unions and of reproductive age) used some form of birth control, including traditional methods, which was a bit lower than the Southern African average (64% of women using contraceptives). Furthermore, it was found that about 17% of women had unmet family planning needs, which was higher than the Southern African average (13% had unmet needs). The most common forms of contraception for Namibian women was contraceptive injectables (28%). This was followed by male condoms (12%), birth control pills (7%), and female sterilization (6%). There were low rates of usage for IUDs (1%), contraceptive implants (less than 1%), and male sterilization (less than 1%). There were practically no users of vaginal barrier methods (0%). Traditional methods, such as the rhythm method or withdrawal, had low usage as well (less than 1%, respectively).<ref>[http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/family/trendsContraceptiveUse2015Report.pdf Trends in Contraceptive Use Worldwide 2015]</ref> | ||
Since the 1990s, Namibia has seen a decline in its fertility rate, going from 4.5 children per woman in 1996 to 3.4 children per woman in 2016. This can be attributed to many factors, including increased contraceptive use, higher educational levels among women, and greater participation of women in the labor force.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/wa.html CIA World Factbook - Namibia]</ref> There has historically been a culture of stigma and shame around women purchasing contraceptives. The country is rather religious, with an estimated 80% or 90% of the populace identifying as Christian or Lutheran, and the remaining 10%-20% following traditional or indigenous beliefs. However, the mood has begun to shift as more people share information and resources online. To read more about cultural attitudes as related to condom purchases in Namibia, you can read an article [https://www.namibian.com.na/index.php?id=137217&page=archive-read here] from the Namibian Newspaper. | |||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
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* You can find '''oral contraceptives (birth control pills)''' sold at pharmacies and available at the Namibia Family Planning Association (NAPPA), but a prescription is required. Some brands that you can expect to see include Biphasil, Diane, Femodene, Ginette, Marvelon, Melodene, Mercilon, Minesse, Minulette, Nordette, Ovral, Triphasil, Yasmin, and Yaz.<ref>[Conversation with Windhoek pharmacist, August 2018]</ref> Please note that certain birth control pills, such as Cerazette, are not available in Namibia, as of August 2018. | * You can find '''oral contraceptives (birth control pills)''' sold at pharmacies and available at the Namibia Family Planning Association (NAPPA), but a prescription is required. Some brands that you can expect to see include Biphasil, Diane, Femodene, Ginette, Marvelon, Melodene, Mercilon, Minesse, Minulette, Nordette, Ovral, Triphasil, Yasmin, and Yaz.<ref>[Conversation with Windhoek pharmacist, August 2018]</ref> Please note that certain birth control pills, such as Cerazette, are not available in Namibia, as of August 2018. | ||
* You can find '''contraceptive rings (Nuvaring)''' in Namibia, though the pharmacy may not have them in stock and will need to special order them. For this reason, it's recommended to contact the pharmacy in advance before looking to obtain a contraceptive ring. | * You can find '''contraceptive rings (Nuvaring)''' in Namibia, though the pharmacy may not have them in stock and will need to special order them. For this reason, it's recommended to contact the pharmacy in advance before looking to obtain a contraceptive ring. | ||
* You can find '''contraceptive patches''', | * You can find '''contraceptive patches''', such as Evra, sold in pharmacies in Namibia.<ref>[Conversation with Windhoek pharmacist, August 2018]</ref> | ||
* You can find '''intra-uterine devices (IUDs)''', and you can get them inserted at hospitals or clinics in Namibia, including copper IUDs.<ref>[https://allafrica.com/stories/201802130499.html Namibia: UNFPA Donates Consignment of Contraceptives]</ref> | * You can find '''intra-uterine devices (IUDs)''', and you can get them inserted at hospitals or clinics in Namibia, including copper IUDs.<ref>[https://allafrica.com/stories/201802130499.html Namibia: UNFPA Donates Consignment of Contraceptives]</ref> | ||
* You can find '''contraceptive shots/injectables'''. You can receive the injections at hospitals, clinics, or from specialized providers, like the and you can get them injected at hospitals, clinics, or from specialized providers, like the Namibia Family Planning Association (NAPPA). From the NAPPA website: "It is preferable to have the injection during menstruation (bleeding) so the Service Provider can be sure you are not pregnant. However if you attend at a time when you are not menstruating the Service Provider will ask you to have a pregnancy test – the injection should not be given to women who are already pregnant!"<ref>[http://nappa.com.na/Adolescent-Services/Family-Planning NAPPA - Family Planning]</ref> <ref>[https://allafrica.com/stories/201802130499.html Namibia: UNFPA Donates Consignment of Contraceptives]</ref> | * You can find '''contraceptive shots/injectables'''. You can receive the injections at hospitals, clinics, or from specialized providers, like the and you can get them injected at hospitals, clinics, or from specialized providers, like the Namibia Family Planning Association (NAPPA). From the NAPPA website: "It is preferable to have the injection during menstruation (bleeding) so the Service Provider can be sure you are not pregnant. However if you attend at a time when you are not menstruating the Service Provider will ask you to have a pregnancy test – the injection should not be given to women who are already pregnant!"<ref>[http://nappa.com.na/Adolescent-Services/Family-Planning NAPPA - Family Planning]</ref> <ref>[https://allafrica.com/stories/201802130499.html Namibia: UNFPA Donates Consignment of Contraceptives]</ref> | ||
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==Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)== | ==Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)== | ||
'''Important Notes:''' Emergency contraception may prevent pregnancy for three days (72 hours) and sometimes five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Take EC '''as soon as possible''' after unprotected sex. If you don't have access to dedicated EC, oral contraceptives can be used as replacement EC, but remember the following: 1) Only some contraceptives work as EC 2) Different contraceptives require different dosages and time schedules to work as EC 3) You must only use the first 21 pills in 28-day packs and 4) They may be less effective than dedicated EC. For general information on emergency contraceptives, click [https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/morning-after-pill-emergency-contraception here] and [http://ec.princeton.edu/info/ecp.html here]. | '''Important Notes:''' Emergency contraception may prevent pregnancy for three days (72 hours) and sometimes five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. Take EC '''as soon as possible''' after unprotected sex. If you don't have access to dedicated EC, oral contraceptives can be used as replacement EC, but remember the following: 1) Only some contraceptives work as EC 2) Different contraceptives require different dosages and time schedules to work as EC 3) You must only use the first 21 pills in 28-day packs and 4) They may be less effective than dedicated EC. For general information on emergency contraceptives, click [https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/morning-after-pill-emergency-contraception here] and [http://ec.princeton.edu/info/ecp.html here]. | ||
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
In Namibia, you can | In Namibia, you can access emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills) at pharmacies.<ref>[http://www.cecinfo.org/country-by-country-information/status-availability-database/countries/namibia/ EC Status and Availability: Namibia]</ref> While some brands may require prescriptions, others do not. According to a 2016 article by a Namibian pharmacist, you do not need a prescription for brands like NorLevo or Escapelle.<ref>[https://www.namibian.com.na/151691/archive-read/The-morning-after-pill The Namibian: The Morning After Pill]</ref> Furthermore, while pharmacists may ask you questions (such as when you last took emergency contraception), the pharmacist clarified that this is to understand your health situation rather than pass a moral judgment. | ||
Generally speaking, emergency contraceptive pills are not commonly used in Namibia. While the data is old, in 2006-07, it was found that 1.6% of women had ever used ECPs and about 21% had knowledge of ECPs.<ref>[http://www.cecinfo.org/country-by-country-information/status-availability-database/countries/namibia/ EC Status and Availability: Namibia]</ref> | Generally speaking, emergency contraceptive pills are not commonly used in Namibia. While the data is old, in 2006-07, it was found that 1.6% of women had ever used ECPs and about 21% had knowledge of ECPs.<ref>[http://www.cecinfo.org/country-by-country-information/status-availability-database/countries/namibia/ EC Status and Availability: Namibia]</ref> Furthermore, for many Namibians, there is embarrassment or shame related to asking for emergency contraception, despite the fact that it is completely legal to do so.<ref>[https://www.namibian.com.na/151691/archive-read/The-morning-after-pill The Namibian: The Morning After Pill]</ref> | ||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* You can access emergency contraceptive pills from pharmacies and certain social marketing programs. You may be able to access them from the Namibia Family Planning Association. You should call them to get more info (+264-61-230-250) or email them (info@nappa.com.na). | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
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===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
In Namibia, there are no travel or residency restrictions related to your HIV status. This means that, if you are a foreigner who plans to visit Namibia, you will not be asked for a medical certificate or proof of your HIV status upon entry in the country. Furthermore, you will not be required to be HIV-negative in order to obtain various visas, such as a work visa or student visa. If you test as HIV-positive when you are in Namibia, you will not be deported or expelled from the country either. While there were previously restrictions on foreigners who were HIV-positive, they have been repealed by the government.<ref>[http://hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=129 NAMIBIA - REGULATIONS ON ENTRY, STAY AND RESIDENCE FOR PLHIV]</ref> | |||
For many years, Namibia has struggled to contain an HIV epidemic<ref>[http://www.aho.afro.who.int/profiles_information/index.php/Namibia:Analytical_summary_-_HIV/AIDS Analytical summary - HIV/AIDS]</ref>. However, the country has begun to show progress regarding the prevention of new HIV infections.<ref>[https://allafrica.com/stories/201806210554.html Namibia close to controlling HIV epidemic]</ref> In 2017, it was estimated that about 12% of the adult population (ages 15 to 49 years old) were living with HIV in Namibia. Women are disproportionally impacted by HIV, as 14.5% of women are living with the virus (as opposed to 9.5% of men). There are an estimated 34,000 orphans (ages 0 to 17 years old) due to HIV/AIDS in the country. Yet, since 2010, HIV infections have decreased by 24% and HIV-related deaths have decreased by 21%. Furthermore, it is estimated that about 90% of people living with HIV in Namibia know their status, 74% of people living with HIV have suppressed viral loads, and 84% of adults and children with HIV are receiving ART. Finally, over 95% of pregnant women in Namibia received ARV for PMTCT, in 2017.<ref>[http://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/namibia UNAIDS - Country Fact Sheet, 2017]</ref> | |||
You can receive STI tests in many places, including doctor's rooms, hospitals, clinics, community health centers, family planning clinics, STI/STD clinics, and laboratories. | |||
===Testing Facilities=== | ===Testing Facilities=== | ||
* Some people choose to take HIV tests through '''self-test kits''' that you do at home. They are sold in pharmacies, such as Langerhans and Medisun, and they are reportedly very popular.<ref>[https://www.newera.com.na/2017/05/24/hiv-home-testing-popular-among-youth/ HIV home testing popular among youth]</ref> | |||
* [http://nappa.com.na/Adolescent-Services/HIV-Counselling-Testing-and-Support Namibia Family Planning Association (NAPPA)]: They offer free HIV testing, counseling, and support. "Once pre-counselling is given, the test for HIV is carried out. The test involves a simple needle prick on the finger so blood can be collected for the test. Rapid HIV tests are used at NAPPA clinics. This means the result can be given after approximately 15 minutes waiting time. Following testing the client will receive his/her result, and this can be positive or negative. Positive means there is HIV present in the blood: negative means there is no HIV present at this particular time. Post test counselling is then given to all clients. This is very important to help the client discuss how they feel about their result, what support is available if the result is positive, or how to remain negative. If the client tests positive for HIV, blood for a CD4 count will be taken by a Service Provider. CD4 count is a blood test that measures how far HIV has progressed in the body, and if treatment (anti-retrovirals - ARVs) is required." Telephone: +264-61-230-250. Email: info@nappa.com.na | |||
* [https://www.caa.org.na/ Catholic AIDS Action]: They provide voluntary HIV Testing and counsellng services (through community outreaches and door-to-door implementation modalities). Contact them for more details: National Telephone: 061 276 350. Email address: info@caa.org.na | |||
===Support=== | ===Support=== | ||
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* [https://na.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/pepfar/ PEPFAR Namibia Information from the US Consulate]: "The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Namibian government are in partnership to meet joint priorities, to build capacity and systems needed to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the national HIV/AIDS program. We work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) and partners to plan, implement and monitor co-investments to achieve epidemic control and foster a sustainable response." Address: U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Sanlam building, 3rd Floor, Independence Avenue, Windhoek, Namibia. Office: +264 61 295 8520. Fax: +264 61 400 663. | * [https://na.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/pepfar/ PEPFAR Namibia Information from the US Consulate]: "The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Namibian government are in partnership to meet joint priorities, to build capacity and systems needed to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the national HIV/AIDS program. We work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) and partners to plan, implement and monitor co-investments to achieve epidemic control and foster a sustainable response." Address: U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Sanlam building, 3rd Floor, Independence Avenue, Windhoek, Namibia. Office: +264 61 295 8520. Fax: +264 61 400 663. | ||
* [http://www.projecthope.org/where-we-work/africa/namibia.html Project Hope - Namibia]: "Project HOPE began strengthening health care services and providing health education in Namibia in 2002 while implementing HIV/AIDS workplace education programs. HOPE's programs have since grown to include TB treatment and education, strengthening the coping capacities of households and communities caring for OVC, working to prevent HIV/AIDS among young women and village health banks." | * [http://www.projecthope.org/where-we-work/africa/namibia.html Project Hope - Namibia]: "Project HOPE began strengthening health care services and providing health education in Namibia in 2002 while implementing HIV/AIDS workplace education programs. HOPE's programs have since grown to include TB treatment and education, strengthening the coping capacities of households and communities caring for OVC, working to prevent HIV/AIDS among young women and village health banks." | ||
* [https://www.go2itech.org/where-we-work/namibia/ I-TECH]: "I-TECH has worked in Namibia since 2004 to support a robust and sustainable health care system, and to address key health challenges including high HIV prevalence and a critical shortage of skilled healthcare workers. Based in the capital city, Windhoek, I-TECH Namibia has a long history of successfully supporting the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), the University of Namibia, and the Ministry of Defence/Namibia Defence Force to improve the health of all Namibians." Tel: + 264-61-310-200. Fax: + 264-61-310-216. Email: norbert@itech-namibia.org | |||
* [https://www.caa.org.na/ Catholic AIDS Action]: "Acting in the Spirit of Christ, Catholic AIDS Action challenges the AIDS pandemic in Namibia with the Courage to Fight and the Strength to Care for the benefit of all." National Telephone: 061 276 350. National Office fax: 061 276 364. National Office physical address: No12, Adler Street, Windhoek West, Windhoek. Email address: info@caa.org.na | * [https://www.caa.org.na/ Catholic AIDS Action]: "Acting in the Spirit of Christ, Catholic AIDS Action challenges the AIDS pandemic in Namibia with the Courage to Fight and the Strength to Care for the benefit of all." National Telephone: 061 276 350. National Office fax: 061 276 364. National Office physical address: No12, Adler Street, Windhoek West, Windhoek. Email address: info@caa.org.na | ||
* [https://www.intrahealth.org/countries/namibia IntraHealth Namibia]: "Since 2006, we've partnered with the Namibian government and NGOs (including faith-based health organizations) to make HIV services for counseling, testing, prevention, care, and treatment more widely available to communities throughout Namibia. We provide training, mentoring, and supportive supervision to help Namibia's health workers deliver high-quality, comprehensive health services. And together with our local partners, we strengthen institutions’ financial, human resources, and management systems." | * [https://www.intrahealth.org/countries/namibia IntraHealth Namibia]: "Since 2006, we've partnered with the Namibian government and NGOs (including faith-based health organizations) to make HIV services for counseling, testing, prevention, care, and treatment more widely available to communities throughout Namibia. We provide training, mentoring, and supportive supervision to help Namibia's health workers deliver high-quality, comprehensive health services. And together with our local partners, we strengthen institutions’ financial, human resources, and management systems." | ||
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===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
* The costs for an STI test will vary, depending on the tests you get and where you go. For example, the Namibia Family Planning Association (NAPPA) gives free HIV tests. However, if you go to a private clinic, you can expect to pay a fee for an HIV test. Furthermore, for STI tests that are not HIV, you may need to pay a fee at a avriety of clinics, though we will need to collect more information about this. | |||
==Medications & Vaccines== | ==Medications & Vaccines== | ||
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===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* In Namibia, you can access '''pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)'''. It is available to any sexually active HIV-negative person at substantial risk of acquiring HIV. For more information about PrEP in Namibia, you can visit the [https://www.prepwatch.org/namibia/ PrEPWatch Namibia page]. You can also contact PEPFAR, EQUIP PrEP Demo in Namibia, or I-TECH DREAMS Project to learn about how you can access PrEP in Namibia. | |||
* While you can probably find the '''HPV vaccine''' in hospitals and clinics, there is no nationwide HPV vaccination program in Namibia, as of 2017.<ref>[http://www.hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/NAM.pdf Human Papillomavirus and Related Diseases Report - NAMIBIA]</ref> | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
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===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* [https://sisternamibia.com/sisterpads/ Sister Pads]: "SisterPADS offers a sustainable solution to a monthly reality. Through our cost-effective, eco-friendly, washable and re-usable sanitary pads we aim to improve girls’ menstrual health hygiene and welfare. SisterPADS is focused on effecting increased school attendance and subsequent academic performance. Instead of fearing embarrassment and therefore being held back by something as natural as menstruation, SisterPADS promotes agency and mobility." | * You can find '''pads/pantyliners''' in supermarkets and pharmacies. | ||
* You can find '''tampons''' in supermarkets and pharmacies, though selection may be limited. You may be most likely to see brands like OB, which do not have applicators. | |||
* You can find '''menstrual cups''' sold in pharmacies. For example, menstrual cups were being sold for N$110.95 at Clicks Pharmacy in 2017.<ref>[https://www.newera.com.na/2017/07/24/women-slowly-embrace-use-of-menstrual-cup/ Women slowly embrace use of menstrual cup]</ref> | |||
====Local Organizations/Initiatives==== | |||
* [https://sisternamibia.com/sisterpads/ Sister Pads]: "SisterPADS offers a sustainable solution to a monthly reality. Through our cost-effective, eco-friendly, washable and re-usable sanitary pads we aim to improve girls’ menstrual health hygiene and welfare. SisterPADS is focused on effecting increased school attendance and subsequent academic performance. Instead of fearing embarrassment and therefore being held back by something as natural as menstruation, SisterPADS promotes agency and mobility." | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
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===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
In Namibia, under the Maternity leave, Sick leave and Death benefits Fund (MSD), all workers in Namibia can be eligible for maternity leave. The leave benefits provide 100% of basic wages up to N$13 000 for a maximum period of 12 weeks (3 months). The minimum wages should be N$300.00 per month, as of 2018. Maternity leave is also offered to domestic employees and people who are employed by small businesses.<ref>[https://www.ssc.org.na/funds/ Social Security Commission - MATERNITY SICK & DEATH BENEFIT FUND]</ref> | |||
The mortal mortality rate is 265 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.), which ranks it 44th in the world in terms of maternal mortality rates.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/wa.html CIA World Factbook - Namibia]</ref> | |||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
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===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
In Namibia, abortion is not legally available upon request. It is only legally permitted in certain circumstances, which include: if the pregnancy endangers the life of the pregnant person, if the pregnancy causes endangerment to the pregnant person's physical or mental health, if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, or if there is serious risk of fetal impairment. However, you cannot legally obtain an abortion for economic or social reasons, or simply because you request it.<ref>[https://www.womenonwaves.org/en/page/5011/abortion-law-namibia Abortion law Namibia]</ref> <ref>[http://www.un.org/esa/population/publications/abortion/profiles.htm Abortion Policies - Namibia]</ref> | |||
For an abortion to be legally performed, the operation must take place in a government hospital or in an approved medical facility. Furthermore, two other physicians (in addition to the woman's primary physician) must approve of the abortion by certifying the grounds on which the abortion is being performed.<ref>[http://www.un.org/esa/population/publications/abortion/profiles.htm Abortion Policies - Namibia]</ref> | |||
The abortion laws in Namibia come from the Abortion and Sterilization Act of South Africa (1975), which Namibia inherited as its own law when it became an independent state. This law is a product of the country's colonial past, when it was managed by apartheid South Africa. During that time, the apartheid government actively sought to promote a high birth rate of white babies, which was seen as a way of preserving white rule. Thus, the abortion policy of Namibia reflects the repressive and troubling history of apartheid rule, both over Namibia and South Africa.<ref>[https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/2018/0111/In-Namibia-s-abortion-debate-echoes-of-a-repressive-history In Namibia's abortion debate, echoes of a repressive history]</ref> For this reason, some have argued that the abortion policy should be amended, and that it reflects an overly conservative and regressive approach to reproductive health. However, Namibia is an overwhelming Christian country, and many Christians consider abortion to be a sin. FYou can read articles from [https://www.namibian.com.na/index.php?id=126629&page=archive-read here] and [https://www.namibian.com.na/index.php?id=65722&page=archive-read here], where people wrote some of their thoughts on its legal status. | |||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* Supposedly, "Misoprostol is available under the brand name Cytotec. It is difficult to obtain," according to Women on Web.<ref>[https://www.womenonwaves.org/en/page/5012/namibia-clinics-and-organisations Namibia clinics and organisations]</ref> | |||
* If you would like to seek out abortion in another country, you can go to [[South Africa]], where it is fully legal for all people, regardless of reason, during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. | |||
* You can receive post-abortion care from [http://nappa.com.na/Other-Services/Post-Abortion-Care the Namibia Family Planning Association (NAPPA)]. "NAPPA attends to the needs of women who have had a miscarriage or an unsafe abortion... It is important for women to have support and care after this type of experience. NAPPA Service Providers and Social Workers can provide support to women and their families to cope through such an emotional time." Telephone: +264-61-230-250. Email: info@nappa.com.na | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
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===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
* If you have been raped or experienced sexual violence, the Legal Assistance Centre has prepared a guide ([http://www.lac.org.na/projects/grap/graprapewhattodo.html What To Do if You are Raped]). This guide lets you know what steps you can take to seek medical and legal assistance. | |||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* If you have experienced or feel that you are at risk of gender-based violence, such as domestic violence or sexual violence, you can contact [http://nappa.com.na/Other-Services/SGBV-Counselling the Namibia Family Planning Association]. "SGBV counselling is available for anyone who has been, is currently, or feels they are at risk of SGBV. NAPPA also works with SGBV perpetrators as we believe some people can change their behaviour if given appropriate support to do so." Telephone: +264-61-230-250. Email: info@nappa.com.na | |||
* [http://www.lac.org.na/ Legal Assistance Centre-Namibia]: "The LAC's main objective is to protect the human rights of all Namibians. It is the only organisation of its kind in Namibia. It has an office in Windhoek, Namibia's capital. It is funded primarily by national and international donor organisations. Its work is supervised by the Legal Assistance Trust, whose trustees include legal practitioners, other professionals and community leaders." Address: 4, Marien Ngouabi St, Windhoek, Namibia. Phone: +264 61 223 356. | * [http://www.lac.org.na/ Legal Assistance Centre-Namibia]: "The LAC's main objective is to protect the human rights of all Namibians. It is the only organisation of its kind in Namibia. It has an office in Windhoek, Namibia's capital. It is funded primarily by national and international donor organisations. Its work is supervised by the Legal Assistance Trust, whose trustees include legal practitioners, other professionals and community leaders." Address: 4, Marien Ngouabi St, Windhoek, Namibia. Phone: +264 61 223 356. | ||
* [http://www.lifelinechildline.org.na/ Lifeline]: They provide counseling and interventions for children and families. Address: 45 Bismarck Street, Windhoek, PO Box: 5477, Ausspannplatz, Namibia. Telephone: +264 61 226889. Fax: +264 61 226894. Email: info@lifeline.org.na | * [http://www.lifelinechildline.org.na/ Lifeline]: They provide counseling and interventions for children and families. Address: 45 Bismarck Street, Windhoek, PO Box: 5477, Ausspannplatz, Namibia. Telephone: +264 61 226889. Fax: +264 61 226894. Email: info@lifeline.org.na | ||
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==List of Additional Resources== | ==List of Additional Resources== | ||
* [http://www.mhss.gov.na/ Ministry of Health and Social Services]: You can visit the website to learn more about the Ministry. | |||
* [http://nappa.com.na/ Namibia Planned Parenthood Federation]: "Mission: To lead, advocate for Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and provide accesible, quality integrated SRH services especially for young people and underserved groups." Address: Namibia Planned Parenthood Association (NAPPA) - NAPPA House, 7 Best Street, Windhoek West, P.O. Box 10936, Windhoek, Namibia. Telephone: +264-61-230-250. Fax: +264-61-230-251. Email: info@nappa.com.na | |||
* Click [https://www.equaldex.com/region/namibia here] to learn about LBTQ rights and laws in Namibia. It is important to note that homosexuality is illegal in Namibia, and there are no laws prohibiting the discrimination against LGBTQ people. It is also illegal to change gender.<ref>[https://www.equaldex.com/region/namibia LGBT Rights in Namibia]</ref> | * Click [https://www.equaldex.com/region/namibia here] to learn about LBTQ rights and laws in Namibia. It is important to note that homosexuality is illegal in Namibia, and there are no laws prohibiting the discrimination against LGBTQ people. It is also illegal to change gender.<ref>[https://www.equaldex.com/region/namibia LGBT Rights in Namibia]</ref> | ||
* Namibian Women's Association (NAWA): They focus on issues related to women and children. Address: Namibian Women’s Association (NAWA), John Knox Street, Maroela, Katutura, Windhoek, P.O. Box 3370. Tel: 061-262461. Fax: 061-213379. Email: nagirlch@iway.na | * Namibian Women's Association (NAWA): They focus on issues related to women and children. Address: Namibian Women’s Association (NAWA), John Knox Street, Maroela, Katutura, Windhoek, P.O. Box 3370. Tel: 061-262461. Fax: 061-213379. Email: nagirlch@iway.na | ||
* [https://sisternamibia.com/ Sister Namibia]: "Sister Namibia is a feminist and women’s rights organization located in Windhoek, Namibia. Since our establishment in 1989 we have been a constant voice for women and women’s equality throughout the lifespan of independent Namibia." 163 Nelson Address: Mandela Avenue, Eros, Windhoek, P.O Box 86753, Windhoek. Tel: +264 (0) 61 230 757. Fax: +264 (0) 61 236 371 | * [https://sisternamibia.com/ Sister Namibia]: "Sister Namibia is a feminist and women’s rights organization located in Windhoek, Namibia. Since our establishment in 1989 we have been a constant voice for women and women’s equality throughout the lifespan of independent Namibia." 163 Nelson Address: Mandela Avenue, Eros, Windhoek, P.O Box 86753, Windhoek. Tel: +264 (0) 61 230 757. Fax: +264 (0) 61 236 371 | ||