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C ommo nwe a l t h memb e r c o u n t r i e s Health MDGs: The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) mature in 2015, but monitoring of progress is ongoing due to the time it takes to collect and analyse data from each country. For Mauritius to achieve its targets for the reduction of child mortality, which form MDG 4, it should have reduced under-five deaths per 1,000 live births to eight and increased measles immunisation to 100 per cent when the 2015 data is analysed. In 2013 under-five mortality stood at 14 deaths per 1,000 live births and measles immunisation at 99 per cent. It is possible, therefore, that the under-five mortality target will be achieved when the 2015 data is analysed and the measles immunisation target is likely to be achieved. The global MDG 5 target for maternal health is to reduce the number of women who die in pregnancy and childbirth by threequarters between 1990 and 2015. For Mauritius, the maternal mortality should fall to 17 cases per 100,000 live births. In 2013 Mauritius had an adjusted maternal mortality ratio of 22 deaths per 100,000 live births, adjusted to 73 (this figure was estimated at 60 deaths per 100,000 by UN agencies/World Bank in 2010). Based on the data reported by the country it is unlikely to have achieved this goal when the data is analysed in 2015. Part of the goal also stipulates that 100 per cent of births must be attended by a skilled health professional. In 2010 this figure stood at 100 per cent, so this part of the goal has already been achieved. MDG 6 aims for a reduction in the prevalence of HIV, malaria and other diseases. There has been no overall decline or increase in the prevalence of HIV in the period 2008–11, but the decline in the incidence of tuberculosis in the period 1990–2010 has been consistent. Nevertheless, significant reduction in prevalence and mortality of these diseases is required if the country is to achieve MDG 6. For definitions, sources and explanations on the Millennium Development Goals see page 314. Universal health coverage Less than half of health care in Mauritius (49 per cent) was government funded in 2012. The remaining 51 per cent was paid for by patients or funded by other non-governmental entities, such as private insurers, charities or employers. Total health expenditure constituted 4.8 per cent of GDP in 2012. Expenditure by government amounts to US$217 per capita. The government has committed to keeping health care services free of any user cost at the point of delivery. The pursuit of primary health care policy in Mauritius strives to achieve equitable distribution of health resources and support services to the community. This package is delivered through a network of institutions providing preventive, curative and rehabilitative care. Mauritius has an established welfare system with the state as both financer and provider of clinical and non-clinical treatment in the public health sector. The Post-2015 UN Development Agenda – The Future We Want national report on Mauritius highlights several issues that need to be addressed in the country’s post-2015 development strategy. These are: the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases; further reduction of child and maternal mortality; reinforcement of the fight against HIV/AIDS; and greater attention to mental health issues. The report also suggests that those issues highlighted under the MDGs should be combined and approached as an overarching aim of ‘universal health coverage’, in a bid to reduce health inequities. Mauritius was not an original signatory to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, but acceded to it in 1973 and has written the covenant into law. It includes ‘the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health’. The covenant commits signees to providing healthy and hygienic environmental conditions, controlling epidemic diseases, improving child health and facilitating access to health services without discrimination. Care of the elderly: Around 108,000 people in Mauritius are over the age of 65 – nine per cent of the total population (2013). At the age of 60 a person in Mauritius can be expected to live for an additional 19 years, on average (2013). Mauritius’ Basic Retirement Pension dates back to 1950 and became universal in 1958. Today, monthly pension credits are paid by the state at a rate of US$118 per person (2007–12) on a universal basis. Overall, public pension spending is equivalent to 6.7 per cent of the country’s total economic output (2011). Mauritius’s Protection of Elderly Persons Act 2005 was established to ensure that adequate protection is provided to elderly people against ill treatment and financial prejudice. Retired people are also entitled to free travel on public transport and there is social assistance available, including income support, free wheelchairs, hearing aids, dentures and eyeglasses. All health points have geriatric sessions. There are day care centres for those who require assistance during the day and there are a number of old people’s homes. Further information Ministry of Health and Quality of Life: health.govmu.org Commonwealth Health Online: www.commonwealthhealth.org/health/africa/mauritius 214 Commonwealth Health Partnerships 2015 Population over 65 9%


Commonwealth Health Partnerships 2015
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