Staff Writer
Namibia received a donation of condoms and lubricants worth N$4 248 127 from the United
States Agency for International Development (USAID) today. The donations of over 6.9 million condoms and 2.6 million lubricants were received by the Executive
Director of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Ben Nangombe.
The condoms and lubricants were procured with funds from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) by USAID’s Global Health Supply Chain Program.
Despite significant advances in the fight against HIV, Nangombe highlighted that some challenges persist, particularly surrounding HIV testing among communities and young people.
“With the help of our partners, Namibia has made significant progress in combating and controlling the HIV/AIDS epidemic in our country. Having said that, we recognize that there are still gaps which need to be addressed, particularly around HIV testing among key populations and young people.
“I am pleased to state that the ministry has been working tirelessly, along with our partners, towards closing these gaps, to reach HIV epidemic control and to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030,” said Nangombe.
Furthermore, Nangombe stated that the progress made on the global fast track targets and the 95- 95-95 cascade motivates the ministry.
“Our programme data shows that 92% of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) know their status, 99% are
on treatment, and 93% of those receiving treatment are virally suppressed. This is a great achievement and puts Namibia on track to reach the 95-95-95 Targets by 2030. The people and our development partners and stakeholders deserve to be commended for this joint accomplishment,” he stated.
Nangombe further added that Namibia requires HIV-related commodities as well as strengthened HIV prevention measures.
