By: Justicia Shipena
The health ministry on Tuesday received a donation of condoms and lubricants worth N$ 4 248 172 from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Health executive director Ben Nangombe received the donation on behalf of health minister Kalumbi Shangula.
“It is my honour to receive this generous donation on behalf of the ministry and the Namibian people,” said Nangombe.
Nangombe, during the handover ceremony, said the donation signifies the culmination of efforts to address Namibia’s need to secure HIV related commodities and strengthen HIV prevention measures.
He added that condoms are directly responsible for helping the world reach the target of 200 000 or fewer infections by the year 2030.
“Our communities need the commodities, and it is good to know that they will be dispatched to all 14 regions in the next two weeks,” he said.
He said Namibia has made progress in combating and controlling the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country.
However, Namgombe said that there are still gaps which need to be addressed.
“The ministry has been working tirelessly, along with our partners, to close these gaps to reach HIV epidemic control and end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030,” he said.
Furthermore, Namgombe said data shows that 92 per cent of people living with HIV know their status, while 99 per cent are on treatment.
“And 93 per cent of those receiving treatment virally suppressed.”
He added that it is a great achievement and puts Namibia on track to reach the 95-95-95 Targets by 2030.
At the same event, Nangombe recalled recent donations by USAID to the ministry.
“These include the donation of 70 intensive care unit beds distributed to 8 hospitals countrywide and the 200 Emergency hospital beds donated in March 2022,” he said.
He concluded by thanking USAID for the donation.
“I take this opportunity to sincerely thank USAID and the partners involved in making this donation possible.”
