Otjiwarongo: More than 1,500 inhabitants of Otjozondjupa, along with guests from 13 other regions, are expected to gather in Otjiwarongo early next month for the national commemoration of the 2025 World AIDS Day. Acting Otjozondjupa Chief Regional Officer, Wilma Guriras, and Otjozondjupa Health Director, Gebhardo Timoteus, announced during a live-streamed broadcast at the Regional Council Government Information Centre that this year's national commemoration will take place on 05 December at the Mokati Sports Stadium.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the event will feature cultural and music performances, HIV medical testing sessions, sharing of testimonies, official speeches, and a street march from Etambi location to Mokati for public awareness purposes, as stated by Guriras. She also mentioned that several newly elected town mayors and regional and local authority councillors will assist in arranging transport for local residents from their towns and constituencies.

Guriras encouraged residents, especially those aged 15 to 49, to participate in this important national health event, aiming to significantly reduce the HIV/AIDS pandemic by 2030. Timoteus highlighted that HIV is prevalent in the towns of Otjiwarongo, Grootfontein, and Okakarara, citing socio-economic activities, locations linked to the transit B1 road, poverty, and alcohol abuse as contributing factors.

Timoteus urged, 'Test your HIV status on 05 December 2025 at the Mokati Sports Stadium so that you know what is happening in your body and can take the necessary health measures.' The commemoration will be held under the theme 'Sustaining the HIV response, ending stigma, and building resilient communities.'

The event is being organised by the Health Directorate in the region, the Otjozondjupa Regional Council, and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology.