Although Namibia has made significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS by meeting the UNAIDS ‘90-90-90’ targets, the virus continues to be a public health issue that robs Namibia of much-needed human capital and jeopardises socioeconomic progress.

This was said by President Hage Geingob at the commemoration of the annual World AIDS Day under the theme ‘Equalise’, a UNAIDS call for everyone to address the inequalities that are impeding progress in ending AIDS.

He said Namibia joins the rest of the world on this day to reaffirm its commitment and support to those infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

“HIV/AIDS has left visible and palpable scars in our homes and communities. The biggest enemy in the fight against HIV/AIDS is discrimination and stigma, and those infected with the virus are stigmatised by community members, a practise that jeopardises the government’s treatment and support services,” Geingob expressed.

Namibians, he further said must step up efforts to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in order to achieve the goal of eliminating AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, adding that HIV prevention efforts must be strengthened to complement the ongoing rollout of HIV treatment and counselling services to more communities.

“I thank our development partners, the private and civic sectors, as well as other local and international stakeholders, for their significant financial and material contributions to our HIV/AIDS fight. As we mark World AIDS Day, let us remain vigilant in our efforts to achieve an HIV-free nation. I am confident that we will win this fight together,” he said.

World AIDS Day is observed to show support for HIV-infected people and to remember AIDS patients. As the first international health day, World AIDS Day was established in 1988.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency