Oshana hosts World Aids Day

On 1 December each year, the world commemorates World Aids Day to raise awareness about the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the resulting acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).The Ministry of Health and Social Services this year commemorated the day at Ondangwa in Oshana region with the theme “Equalize – a call to action”.The theme aims to address the inequalities holding back progress in ending AIDS.Health minister Kalumbi Shangula stressed the importance of a united front in combating the effects of HIV in society.“The call to ‘equalize’ is critical, because the inequality in access to services, supplies, commodities and adequate care leaves millions of people behind,” he said.In 1986, Namibia recorded its first case of HIV infection. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, it became the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in many countries; 79.3 million people have been infected by HIV, according to the United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS).Data from the World Health Organisation shows that over 36.3 million died due to the infection and it continues to be a major global public health issue.Shangula said that Covid-19 restrictions implemented for almost two years greatly impacted the fight against AIDS and HIV. “The pandemic negatively affected HIV testing, linkage to care, treatment access, availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis and other HIV prevention strategies. These disruptions may have resulted in significantly higher numbers of new HIV infections and deaths.To show commitment to fighting the global threat of HIV/AIDS, Namibia adapted the sub-theme, namely “Strengthening Community Engagement in the HIV Responses in Namibia”.The minister said the sub-theme is a call for all Namibians to spread the message regarding the dangers of HIV/AIDS. “We need to speak with one voice, act as one, to empower the most at-risk population groups, especially the youth to protect themselves against HIV infections,” Shangula said.The government assured the implementation of combined prevention strategies such as condom distribution, HIV testing, Voluntary Medical Male Circumcisions, and pre-exposure prophylaxis among pregnant and breast-feeding women to prevent new infections.Watch more here.

Oshana hosts World Aids Day

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-03

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Oshana hosts World Aids Day

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-03

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