WINDHOEK- A N$4.5 million project has been launched to support young people living with HIV in the regions of Khomas, Oshana, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Omusati, Hardap and Kavango West.
The project, named ‘Moving on – Moving Up’ will run for two years and is funded by the European Union, while Positive Vibes and Lifeline/Childline are the implementing partners. The project will promote and support the social inclusion of adolescents living with HIV through building up their self-esteem and self-reliance.
It is estimated that in Namibia 16 000 young people live with HIV and the figure is expected to rise to 20 000 young people by 2015, according to Casper Erichsen, the Director of Positive Vibes in a joint statement from the European Union, Positive Vibes and Lifeline/Childline.
“The vast majority of these young people were born with HIV and need medical and psychosocial support to help them live positively and constructively,” reads the statement.
“This project will work alongside many health professionals and our aspiration is that it will support and empower young people and include them in all aspects of community life,” said the Head of Delegation of the European Union, Ambassador Raúl Fuentes Milani.
Fuentes Milani expressed confidence that the issue of social exclusion and marginalisation in Namibia would be addressed by promoting public awareness about children and young people living with HIV.
By Alvine Kapitako