HIV/Aids Africa

The Namibian President, Hifikepunye Pohamba, officially launched the Namibia Red Cross Society’s “HIV and AIDS Action Now” booklet in Windhoek earlier in June.The head of state said the HIV/AIDS pandemic had touched all communities in the country, and its deadly march continued to affect Namibians of all ages. “This means that our national response in facing this challenge should essentially involve Namibians of all ages, including the very young.””It is indeed a sad reality that because of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, our children are now compelled to face and deal with issues that are, in fact, beyond their scope,” President Pohamba told the more than 100 people gathered at the Namibia Red Cross head office for the launch.He said due to the dynamics of the world we live in today, the challenge of HIV/AIDS demanded a multi-sectoral national approach.Dr Helena Ndume, chairperson of the Namibia Red Cross Society’s Governing Board told the gathering that the Namibia Red Cross is dedicated to significantly contribute to the reduction of the spread of HIV infection through educating communities, and fighting stigma and discrimination and ensuring care, treatment and support for those infected and affected by the pandemic.”We are also very glad to increase access of the anti-retroviral treatment for People Living With HIV and AIDS by supporting the efforts of our government through the Ministry of Health and Social Services in the roll out of ARV treatment through mobilising and preparing communities for treatment, promoting adherence through home care programmes, reducing stigma and discrimination and facilitating care and treatment, as well as providing psycho-social support,” said Dr Ndume.The ‘HIV and AIDS Action Now’ booklet is targeted at impacting positively on the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS and all those who are affected by the pandemic. Some 1.1 million copies of the booklet have been printed and are being distributed in all parts of the country. The booklet has been printed in five Namibian languages: English, Rukwangali, Silozi, Afrikaans and Oshiwambo.