The United States government in partnership with Management Science Health will this week issue a grant worth U$20 000 to help serve 8 000 people living with HIV in northern Namibia.
The U$20 000 grant translates to over N$240 000 dollars and will be handed to the Tonata group that will supervise the funds.
The grant targets to enhance the group’s capacity to effectively represent people living with HIV in national decision-making bodies and local health services.
The grant will also increase the organization’s sustainability and assist with financial management, human resource policies, increased organizational visibility and leadership training.
“With the grant, the U.S. Government seeks to empower local advocates, strengthen civil society and combat discrimination against people living with HIV,” reads a press statement.
The beneficiary group Tonata aims to improve the quality of life of people living with HIV through the creation of supportive and enabling environments and the promotion of human rights of people infected or those affected by HIV.
The group also provides members with communication and advocacy services and represents the voices of people living with HIV at both regional and national level.
The U.S. Ambassador to Namibia Thomas Daughton will visit the Otaala Combined School in Oshana Region to encourage adolescent boys to undergo voluntary male circumcision. The campaign targets school-aged boys in 17 schools across Oshana Region.
So far circumcision has been successful with approximately 100 boys choosing to be circumcised in the region.
According to the report, evidence shows that voluntary male circumcision reduces the risk of HIV infection in men by approximately 60 percent.
“The protection against HIV is substantial and repeated treatment is not required to maintain the benefits,” reads the press statement.
The one-off surgical procedure is highly effective, relatively- quick and offers significant cost saving as an intervention. The two events are scheduled at the Oshakati Country Hotel this morning while the male circumcision talk is scheduled for later in the day.
The events will be addressed by the U.S. ambassador Daughton and the governor of Oshana Region, Klemens Kashuupulwa.