Niël Terblanché
With the expected launch of the finalised Sustainability Roadmap and National Operational Plan (NOP) for healthcare during World AIDS Day in December 2024, Namibia is set to make significant strides in securing a healthier future.
Ben Nangombe, the Executive Director of the ministry, said that the roadmap is not just a collection of strategies but a critical tool for ensuring sustained epidemic control in Namibia.
He said the ministry hopes that with the implementation, Namibia will serve as a model for other nations aiming to achieve sustainable health responses in the face of evolving global health challenges.
“The country demonstrated its commitment to combating infectious diseases with the recent unveiling of the Sustainability Roadmap and National Operational Plan (NOP)” he said during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Windhoek earlier this week.
He said that sustainability is not about the end of donor funding but about implementing resilient and self-sustaining health systems that address the needs of the Namibian population even in changing circumstances.
“This ambitious initiative aims to ensure long-term sustainable responses to HIV, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and hepatitis, aligning with the country’s broader goals of universal health coverage by 2030,” he said.
The meeting followed a week-long gathering where health officials and stakeholders worked on refining the roadmap and operational plan.
According to Nangombe, the efforts being made to finalise these documents will enable Namibia to traverse the last mile towards ending HIV/AIDS and other diseases as public health threats by 2030.
Namibia has already made notable progress in its fight against these infectious diseases.
As of 2023, the country had achieved a 94-97-93 result in the UNAIDS 95-95-95 HIV target, with 94% of people living with HIV aware of their status, 97% receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 93% achieving viral suppression.
Despite these achievements, gaps remain, especially in service delivery for vulnerable populations.
Nangombe said the Sustainability Roadmap is expected to bridge these gaps by operationalising the National Strategic Framework (NSF) for HIV, TB, malaria, and hepatitis.
“This framework outlines step-by-step interventions, including roles for various stakeholders, aimed at bolstering Namibia’s capacity to maintain health systems without relying heavily on external funding,” he added.
Key elements include the integration of HIV services into the public budget and universal health coverage schemes.
Nangombe also took the opportunity to express Namibia’s gratitude to international partners like PEPFAR and UNAIDS for their unwavering support in helping to make Namibia a regional leader in HIV response strategies.
“These partnerships have been crucial in Namibia’s progress towards its ambitious health targets,” he said.
He added that Namibia is set to secure a healthier future while the country continues to push forward with these initiatives.
