Angola has made significant progress in reducing child mortality over the past few years, yet the country continues to grapple with rising levels of child malnutrition, according to the latest national health data released by the government.
Speaking during the presentation of the new findings on Friday, Secretary of State for Planning Luis Epalanga reported a marked decline in both neonatal and under-five mortality rates. Neonatal deaths have fallen from 24 to 16 per 1,000 live births, while the under-five mortality rate dropped from 68 to 52 per 1,000 live births.
“These results show that our investments in maternal and child health are yielding tangible outcomes,” Epalanga said, noting that the current figures represent major improvements compared to the country’s last health survey conducted in 2016.
The gains in child survival are being attributed to improvements in healthcare infrastructure, expanded access to prenatal and postnatal services, and increased awareness of child health practices among families and caregivers.
However, amid the progress, Angola faces a growing concern: chronic malnutrition among children under the age of five has increased from 38% to 40%. This rise highlights continued disparities in access to adequate nutrition and underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions in food security and child development.
The national survey also indicates a decline in fertility rates and a rise in the use of modern contraceptive methods—factors that reflect gradual shifts in reproductive health trends across the country.
According to Epalanga, the data is not just a snapshot of current conditions but will also serve as a strategic tool for shaping Angola’s public health policies and for measuring its progress towards global development commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals.
While child survival indicators are moving in a positive direction, the government is expected to prioritize malnutrition in its next phase of policy planning, with a focus on ensuring that no child is left behind in the pursuit of equitable health outcomes.