Research
Is South Africa on Track with the 2015 Millennium Development Goals?
Background: According to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) agreement, each country which forms part of it has to provide a report periodically that will show the progress on their achievement towards the goals. This article aim is to evaluate South Africa’s prospects of achieving eight MDGs by 2015. Methods: this article is an analysis of the current situation of South Africa and the aim of this analysis is to look beyond the statistical values, to see if the achievements are on track or life-time achievements and also if what is yet to be achieved can really be achieved. Different data were used as secondary information. Results: There are eight MDGs to be achieved by 2015 such as eradicating extreme poverty; achieving universal primary education; promoting gender equality and the women empowerment; reducing infant and child mortality; improving maternal health; fight with HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and other diseases; ensuring environmental sustainability; and developing a global partnership for national development. A country development is dependent on many factors; therefore, different countries across the world have adopted the MDGs as means of alleviating many of the social ills hindering progress and development. This paper will focus on a glance with entire MDGs. Based on different sources South Africa is on track with the MDG, there is no doubt South Africa crucialto work hard with complete MDGs. Conclusion: It was argued that there has been progress made which has resulted in significant changes to people’s lives, but the question that has to be asked is for how long can these achievements last. Serious requirements for reducing the rate of maternal mortality and HIV /AIDS in South Africa are needed. South Africa may still be considered to be on track to achieve the MDGs target by within couple of years if the above mentioned issues are taken into consideration.
Maternal Health Care Utilization in the Eastern Cape, South Africa: A Qualitative Investigation
Background: This study presents qualitative investigations showed in Mdantsane a township in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The aim of the study is to examine the socio-demographic determinants of maternal health care utilization in this province. Conclusion: The study has indicated that most health professionals and patients (women) are not aware of the available maternal health services, and this lack of awareness leads to a minimal utilization of such services. Methods The qualitative investigation revealed some information with regard to the determinants of maternal health care utilization in the study area. Results: The investigation suggests that lack of awareness about the maternal health services offered within the public health system is an important determinant of the frequency in which maternal health services are used.
