Lunda Norte: Over 30 percent of women in the eastern Lunda Norte province become mothers before reaching the age of 30, primarily due to economic reasons, family breakdowns, lack of support, or inadequate reproductive education.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the insights come from the Multiple Indicator and Health Survey (IIMS 2023-2024) report, released by the National Statistics Institute (INE).
The report reveals that access to healthcare remains a significant challenge, with 90 percent of women aged 15 to 49 unable to reach health facilities due to the distance from their homes. Financial constraints prevent 98 percent of these women from attending medical appointments, while 56 percent cite a lack of transportation, and 54 percent are prohibited by their husbands.
In terms of health conditions, Lunda Norte reports a high seroprevalence rate, affecting 89 percent of men and 87 percent of women aged 15 to 49. Hepatitis B prevalence is notably high, affecting 82 percent of women and 73 percent of men in the same age group.
Vaccination coverage remains low, with no significant improvements during the surveyed period. Only 16 percent of individuals completed the basic antigen series, while a mere 3 percent received immunizations against polio and hepatitis. Furthermore, 29 percent of the population did not receive any vaccinations. Childhood vaccination coverage improved slightly, from 8 percent in 2015/16 to 16 percent in 2024, although 34 and 31 percent of children, respectively, remained unvaccinated during those years.
Nutritional assessments show that 37 percent of children received some form of nutritional intervention. Of these, 4 percent were breastfed, 2 percent had a minimally acceptable diet, 15 percent received iron supplements, 11 percent received vitamin A supplements, and 52 percent were dewormed.
The survey also highlights educational and nutritional challenges, with 32 percent of women and 31 percent of men having a low level of schooling. Among women aged 20 to 49, 67 percent have a normal body mass index, while 16 percent are underweight, 11 percent overweight, and 6 percent obese.
Lunda Norte's population exceeds one million people, distributed across 19 municipalities.
