Maternal and Child Health: The Key to a Better South African Future

Siti Hadiaty Yuningsih; Setyo Luthfi Yohandoko; Dede Irman Pirdaus

doi:10.46336/ijrcs.v5i2.628

Maternal and Child Health: The Key to a Better South African Future

Siti Hadiaty Yuningsih, Setyo Luthfi Yohandoko, Dede Irman Pirdaus

Abstract

South Africa, a country rich in history and natural beauty, also faces serious challenges in the health sector, especially maternal and child health. Maternal and infant mortality rates are still high, inequality in access to health services, low levels of education and knowledge of reproductive health, as well as problems of malnutrition and HIV/AIDS are the main focus of discussion. Although the government has launched programs to improve maternal and child health, funding challenges and disparities in health resources between regions still hinder the achievement of equitable health coverage. This article highlights the importance of increasing health budget allocations, building first-level health facilities, improving the skills of health workers, reproductive health education, nutritional interventions, and multi-stakeholder cooperation to overcome these health challenges.

Keywords

South africa, maternal and child health, maternal and infant mortality rates, access to health services.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.46336/ijrcs.v5i2.628