SADC MPs SALUTE "KING COBRA"

SADC PF MPs salute “King Cobra”

 

The 36^TH Plenary Assembly Session of SADC Parliamentary Forum has paid tribute to the late Zambian President Michael Sata, describing him as an unflinching man of action whose death has left a yawning gap in southern Africa.

Supporting an urgent motion moved by South Africa’s Speaker of the National Assembly Hon Mbaleka Mbete at the end of the Plenary Assembly Session on Sunday, the Parliamentarians were effusive in their tributes to the late Sata, who was famously known as “King Cobra” partly on account of his acerbic tongue, propensity for swift deeds and relentlessness in pursuit of his goals.

In moving an urgent motion for the region’s Parliamentarians, through SADC PF, to acknowledge the role that Sata played in southern African politics, Mbete said death had “robbed Africa in general and the SADC region in particular of a talented and experienced leader.”

She enjoined the Plenary Assembly Session, which was sitting like a parliament, having started doing so last year in Mauritius, to convey its deepest condolences to the Sata family and the people of Zambia.

In seconding the motion, the Speaker of the Parliament of Zimbabwe, Adv. Jacob Mundenda said it was difficult for anyone from a country that has historical ties with Zambia or  who knew Sata well “not to be personal” when talking about his passing on or when reminiscing about his life and pragmatic leadership.

“One cannot also fail but acknowledge his more than 50 years of public service before and after independence,” Mundenda said.

He said the hard-nosed Sata was one of the strongest supporters and a foot soldier among others who supported former President Kenneth Kaunda in championing the liberation of colonized countries south of the Zambezi.

Mundenda said in supporting Kaunda in the fight against colonialism, Sata had allowed Zambia to become the bedrock of guerrilla movements at great cost to the country’s economy. This is because knuckle-headed colonial leaders like Ian Smith who occupied Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) would pursue Zimbabwean freedom fighters into Zambia and bomb many areas in an attempt to flush them out.

Sata was very supportive of the establishment of the Liberation Committee in Tanzania where many liberation forces were trained, notably at Magagawu.

Mundenda said Sata was “a man of tenacity” and action.

“When he was appointed Governor of Lusaka, it was a very dirty city – full of potholes – but when he appeared on the scene he became a real King Cobra. He established authority and cleaned up Lusaka to make it a shining city among other cities in the world. To us he proved to be a man of action. I wish most of us can take a cue from him.”

Mundenda said Sata was one of the few African leaders that stuck their necks out to support Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe “on the issue of the black people controlling their natural resources, particularly the land.”

He said other Presidents had not come out in support of the question of land “which is the key resource containing mineral resources under it and various other resources above it.”

Mundenda drew parallels between Sata and the late South African President Nelson Mandela, who once famously said no one could choose friends for South Africa.

“As the issue of land becomes a sore issue in Africa, we pray that we may have more leaders like the late President Sata.”

Noting that sometimes when a leader of a country dies chaos ensues as people jostle for power, Mundenda implored the people of Zambia to remain united and peaceful “as they seek a new leader”, adding that Zambia had always been an example of a peaceful country.

“Let that peace not be destroyed because of succession politics.”

Zambian Parliamentarian Moono Lubezhi cried as she thanked the Plenary Assembly Session for recognizing Sata’s contribution.

“It is very difficult to lose a father of the nation,” she said before taking her seat.

The late Zambian President who died in London at the age of 77 was expected to be buried on November 11, 2014.

Following this unanimously supported motion, the Forum agreed to constitute a befitting delegation to represent it at the late President Sata’s burial.

SADC PF newly-elected President Hon Anna Makinda and the Speaker of the Parliament of Zimbabwe were expected to be part of that delegation.

The Windhoek-based SADC PF brings together approximately 3500 Parliamentarians from 14 SADC countries. It was formally established in 1997 with the ultimate aim of transforming into a SADC Regional Parliament.

 

Call to safeguard human development gains

Call to lock development gains

…as UNDP releases Human Development Report

UNDP Economist Mr Ojijo Odhiambo

By Moses Magadza

Countries that have made positive strides in human development must come up with strategies to safeguard those gains because success is not automatic and gains not permanent. 

This seems to be the critical message in the latest edition of the Human Development Report (HDR) which the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recently released. 

The 2014 HDR, entitled “Sustaining Human Progress: Reducing Vulnerabilities and Building Resilience,” shows that between 2000 and 2013, Sub- Saharan Africa had the second highest rate of progress in the Human Development Index (HDI), which combines achievements in income,  health and education. Rwanda and Ethiopia achieved the fastest growth, followed by Angola, Burundi, Mali, Mozambique, the United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia.

New focus

NPC Director General Mr Tom Alweendo

Speaking at the launch of the HDR in Namibia recently, Mr Tom Alweendo, the Director General of the National Planning Commission (NPC) expressed concern over widespread poverty and income inequality, which continue to afflict many countries including Namibia.

“Despite a robust economic growth in Namibia of six percent between 2010 and 2013, an unacceptably large proportion of our people still live in poverty and are exposed to various vulnerabilities,” Alweendo said.

He noted that economic growth in Namibia had been largely jobless, with women and young people of both sexes bearing the brunt of unemployment, contributing to the vulnerable within society along with other groups.

He said Namibia had identified sectors that bear the greatest potential to spur economic growth while at the same time creating jobs for public investments. Focus, he said, would shift to logistics, tourism, manufacturing and agricultural sectors under NDP4. There would be continued investment   in other sectors as well especially health and education. 

Not prescriptive but…

Mr Ojijo Odhiambo is an economic advisor with UNDP. He explains that each HDR theme is examined to unravel policy choices that countries have to address pertinent challenges. 

“The policy options presented by the report are not prescriptive. Governments study the report and pick policies that they feel best suit them or that they can use. Over the years a lot of governments have used some of the policy proposals to their benefit,” Odhiambo says.

This year’s report looks at why particular individuals or societies are vulnerable to, for instance ecological shocks and economic shocks such as the ones that were experienced during the global financial crisis of 2008/2009. It looks at why some societies are able to recover faster than others, as well as who is being left behind in terms of development.

Types of vulnerabilities

In this year’s report, the UNDP has identified two types of vulnerabilities: lifecycle vulnerabilities and structural vulnerabilities. The former accompany an individual from the time they are born to when they die. The 2014 HDR has identified four critical stages including the first 90 to 1 000 days of life where there is need to invest in nutrition, the transition from educational institutions to the job market and old age. Policy proposals with respect to interventions that are necessary at every point have been identified.

With regard to structural vulnerability, the report shows that some people such as the youth, women, and some indigenous communities can be left behind in development due to traditional or subtle norms. It identifies policies that can be used to bring everybody on board and to eradicate spatial inequality (inequality where space makes certain sexes or communities worse off than others).

Odhiambo says this can enable governments to tailor targeted policies that might involve affirmative action. 

“This is because equal treatment might actually result in equal treatment. Equity can be achieved through policies designed to address the unique challenges of particular individuals or communities.”

The 2014 HDR identifies the vulnerable as women, children, and indigenous communities. It postulates that their vulnerability can be attributed to inherent structural deficiencies that include societal norms as well as to poor timing of investments. It presents a lot of proposals. This is the first time that vulnerability and resilience have been examined with this level of intensity. 

Call to lock gains

The report warns that that progress in terms of human development can be reversed by shocks such as economic shocks. The issue of shocks and how much they can undo years of development had never been examined. Now proposals are being made on how to lock or safeguard development gains.

For years experts all over the world have bemoaned a dearth of data regarding measures of development. The 2014 HDR shows that Namibia has done well. Like most countries in Africa Namibia is on an upward trajectory with regards to human development as measured by the Human Development Index which looks at life expectancy, knowledge (years of schooling) and wealth creation as measured by Gross National Income per capita. However, it notes that the pace of growth has been slow.

Data from various sources shows that in 1980 Namibia was at the same level of development with Mauritius and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, the three countries have taken totally different trajectories in terms of human development. Mauritius has experienced almost exponential growth, Namibia a somewhat standard growth while the DRC has regressed. 

Odhiambo says this begs the question: what fuels human development? 

Beyond income inequality

Namibia’s problem is not just income inequality but increasing inequality in access to basic services such as health, education, water and sanitation. The report also looks at the multi-dimensional poverty index which includes the conditions under which people live. On that it shows that Namibia is not doing well. It shows that 20 percent of the people in Namibia are multi-dimensionally poor. This is compared to four percent in South Africa. 

“It is one thing to be poor but another to live in a state of want. If the right investments are made, even a poor person can have access to safe drinking water or a toilet,” Odhiambo says.

On gender, the report notes that Namibia is doing well.

Key recommendations

The report challenges countries to figure out how to improve the conditions of their people and to ensure that everyone benefits from development. This is because in some countries, economies have grown but there has not been a correlation between development and poverty reduction at the grassroots level. The growth has not been broad based.

“Unless growth can create jobs and put money in people’s pockets then it does not benefit ordinary people,” says Odhiambo.

He says although Namibia has invested mightily in the social sector there is need for improved development outcomes in terms of health, education and employment creation. The challenge, he says, is how to bring the poor to the table so they also partake of the fruits of development.

“This calls for investments in the sectors in which the poor have access and control over resources such as agriculture and education.”

The 2014 HDR stresses the need to make people’s voices heard and to make people participate in the development process. 

Useful guide

The production of HDRs goes back to the year 1990 when it was realised that there were some serious shortcomings in the way development was being measured. Development was being measured in terms of economic growth with no regard to who benefits from that growth, hence the use of Gross Domestic Product per capita as a measure of development.

The UNDP realised that there was need to go beyond economic growth as a measure of development to include elements of human development that are reflective of changes in the livelihoods of people. That led to the coining of the Human Development Index (HDI). This is a composite index that looks at three domains: health, education and income. The HDR, therefore, gives the Human Development Indices of all countries of the world in which data is available.

Every year the HDR has a different theme.

Time for data revolution

Odhiambo says there is need for countries to deepen their understanding of poverty and deprivation for them to be able to come up with targeted interventions.

“This calls for a data revolution; to move beyond national aggregates which say very little. Poverty must be understood and addressed at the micro level.”

Using econometric modelling techniques it is now possible to go to the lowest possible level to pin point pockets of poverty and deprivation as well as to show who is affected. - moses.magadza@gmail.com

MosesMagadza: Namibia launches child survival strategy

MosesMagadza: Namibia launches child survival strategy: ·          26% of children under 5 stunted ·          6% wasted ·          13% underweight ·          48% anaemic ·       ...

MosesMagadza: Namibia launches child survival strategy

MosesMagadza: Namibia launches child survival strategy: ·          26% of children under 5 stunted ·          6% wasted ·          13% underweight ·          48% anaemic ·       ...

MosesMagadza: Namibia launches child survival strategy

MosesMagadza: Namibia launches child survival strategy: ·          26% of children under 5 stunted ·          6% wasted ·          13% underweight ·          48% anaemic ·       ...

Namibia launches child survival strategy

·          26% of children under 5 stunted

·         6% wasted

·         13% underweight

·         48% anaemic

·         Many not exclusively breastfed

·         Link between nutrition and intelligence

·         USD50 million needed over 3 years

By Moses Magadza

WINDHOEK (September1, 2014): The Ministry of Health and Social Services in collaboration with UNICEF, WHO and USAID will today (Monday, Sept 1) launch the Child Survival Strategy: “A Promise Renewed for Child Survival in Namibia” as the country moves to improve the nutritional status of children under the age of five years.

South African music sensation Yvonne Chaka Chaka who is also the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador will join Prime Minister Dr Hage Geingob, former Prime Minister Nahas Angula, Health and Social Services Minister Dr Richard Kamwi and other high prolife officials at the launch.

Great expectations

OPTIMISTIC:Defense Minister Nahas Angula

The child survival strategy is part of the outcomes of the broader Namibian Alliance for Improved Nutrition (NAFIN) which Angula convenes. NAFIN will also today launch the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Country Implementation Plan to reduce stunting in the country.

Angula expressed optimism that investing in the nutrition of children would benefit the country in the immediate and long term.

“Good nutrition enhances child survival,” he said in an interview.

Kamwi, who was one of the ministers that met in the United States of America in 2012 to renew the promise on child survival, said he was also excited about the launch.

“There are things that are dear to my heart. This is one of them. There is no reason why we should let our under five children die. We need to do something. We have been working hard and our Demographic Health Survey which will be launched soon shows that there has been a decline in child and maternal mortality. We are also seeing malnutrition decreasing in our country,” Kamwi said.

He said although Namibia, like other developing countries, would most likely not meet Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 on child and maternal mortality, it was encouraging that the country had made remarkable progress in that regard.

HAPPY: Health Minister Dr Richard Kamwi

“Namibia is one of the countries that are leading in addressing child and maternal mortality. We have a very high ante natal care of about 97 percent while 87 percent of all deliveries take place in facilities attended to by a skilled birth attendant. As a developing country we should pat ourselves,” he said, adding that immunization rates against measles were high.

“One of the killer diseases for children under five years is malaria. Since 2010 Namibia has exceeded both the Abuja Declaration and roll back malaria targets. We are eliminating malaria and this has enabled us to significantly reduce HIV/AIDS mortality. Mother to Child transmission rates of HIV/AIDS have gone down to about four percent.”

The SUN plan proposes the scaling up of selected high impact interventions to contribute to the accelerated reduction of under-5 morbidity and mortality in order to achieve national and international targets by 2018.

Ms Michaela de Soussa, the UNICEF Representative in Namibia said various studies to determine the nutritional status on Namibian children show that although much had been done, the country still faces major challenges.

She cited the 2013 Namibian Demographic and Health Survey, whose preliminary survey report indicates that 26% of children under five are stunted or short for their age, 6% are wasted or too thin for their height, while 13% are underweight.  While this is a slight improvement since the previous DHS which was conducted in 2006, de Soussa said the results point to the need to do more in the area of child nutrition. 

The 2013 DHS also reported that children 48 % of children under the age of five years were suffering from anaemia.   The 2006 DHS did not investigate anaemia amongst children. The MoHSS, with support from UNICEF and WHO is now conducting a study on infant and young child feeding practices, including breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices. De Soussa said this study, which is expected to be finalized before the end of this year, will provide information about what infants and young children are being fed and whether this is nutritionally adequate to meet their growth and development needs. 

“The findings will be used to improve the MoHSS’ programmes and services for women and children with regard to nutrition.” 

Most common nutritional problem

There are different types of malnutrition and in Namibia, with the most significant problem being a form of chronic malnutrition called stunting.  

UNICEF Rep Michaela de Soussa

“A child who is stunted is too short for their age. However, there are other developmental implications of stunting that affect a child’s potential as an adult.  Stunting results not only in restricted growth in height but it also in cognitive development deficits that are irreversible once the child reaches the age of two years,” de Soussa explained.

She said stunting was due to many different factors including poor infant feeding practices such as inadequate duration of exclusive breastfeeding between when the infant is born and reaches the age of six months. Poor complementary feeding practices, whereby children are not fed the right amount of food, inadequate variety or fed food of nutritional value can also cause stunting.  

Other causes of stunting include repeated illness and infection, poor maternal health and poor nutritional status of young girls.  

“One of the most significant contributors to stunting in Namibia is likely the link with poor sanitation and hygiene.  The practice of open defecation has been shown by research as a major contributor to stunting.”  

The 2013 DHS shows the region with the highest prevalence of stunting is Ohangwena (36.5%) followed by Hardap (29.1%) and Karas (27%).  Kunene region has a stunting prevalence of 19.3%, which is below the national average of 26%.  

UNICEF has been working with the MoHSS to develop and implement a programme whereby Health Extension Workers (HEWs) are trained to operate in the most difficult to reach areas of the country.  The HEWs are trained to detect acute malnutrition among other health and social issues and to refer children and women to health facilities when necessary.

UNICEF is also working in partnership with the Namibian Red Cross Society. Volunteers have been trained to screen children for malnutrition and refer them to health facilities. 

Breast is best

De Soussa said to improve the nutritional status of infants and young children, Namibia should - apart from eliminating open defecation - increase the number of infants who are exclusively breastfed from birth to six months of age.

“This is not happening in Namibia.  The DHS shows that only 27% of infants aged six months are being fed only breastmilk.  When such infants are fed other foods and liquids other than breastmilk, they become at much greater risk of infections, illness and death.”

Elsewhere children's food is fortified with key nutrients.  De Soussa explained that Namibia has a voluntary food fortification programme that has been running for at least the past 10 years. 

“Namib Mills produces flour that is fortified with nutrients, which can be bought from stores throughout the country.  The Namibian Alliance for Improved Nutrition (NAFIN), has commissioned a study to investigate the feasibility of small millers fortifying flour.  In addition to population based fortification programmes, the MoHSS is investigating the potential for home fortification using a micronutrient powder, which can be added to the food fed to young children.”

Multi-sectoral approach  

De Soussa explained that to reduce stunting in the country, a multi-sectoral approach is needed.

“This means that sectors such as water and sanitation, agriculture, education and social welfare need to take responsibility for investing in interventions that have the potential to support improvements in the nutritional status of children.”

Such interventions include support for home gardens and improving household access to nutritious foods, elimination of open defecation and increasing the number of people who wash their hands with soap at critical times. Increasing social safety nets for families, improving school meal programmes and improving national and regional preparedness and response to emergencies and disease outbreaks are other options.   

It has been estimated that UDS50million is required to fully implement the SUN country implementation plan over three years.  

“If fully implemented it is expected that stunting can be reduced to below 20% by 2016.  If the goal to reduce stunting to less than 20% by 2016 is achieved, not only will more Namibian children survive, they will also have the potential to thrive.”  

 

HOMEWORK: Poor nutrition is linked to poor learning outcomes

Many studies have shown that there is a positive correlation between stunting or chronic malnutrition poor and cognitive development that affects a child’s potential to learn.  De Soussa said that investing in nutrition has been proven to be one of the most cost effective ways of achieving national development goals.  –moses.magadza@gmail.com

Ends/.