Windhoek
Local HIV/AIDS activists on Saturday hailed the walk aimed at promoting community awareness on HIV/AIDS, which was organised by the Immanuel Sheefeni AIDS Foundation.
About 50 people, mostly women, marched from the foundation’s headquarters in Wanaheda to the popular Evelyn Street in Greenwell Matongo.
One of the activists, Naapopye Matheus, said the march was a “good thing” when it came to creating awareness.
“This is a good way of promoting health therefore I will go back and educate more of my clients on how to set up awareness, so this is very fruitful to me,” said Matheus who is also a home-based care provider under the Catholic AIDS Action Organisation in Henties Bay.
Another activist Elizabeth Shinima hailed the foundation for its action, adding that it boosts the morale of people and supports those infected by the virus.
Other activists feel the awareness created by the foundation is a good opportunity for families, friends, couples, co-workers, artists, models, NGOs, SMEs, spiritual leaders, political leaders and other public figures to join in and support the foundation in its quest to promote community awareness.
After the walk founder of the foundation Immanuel Sheefeni expressed disappointment about the low turnout of men.
“The majority who attended the campaign were ladies, I am therefore calling on guys to do something about this. I want to encourage ladies to keep up the good work,” he said.
Sheefeni said he chose Evelyn Street because “it is known as the ‘makiti’ (socialising) street”. The street has numerous bars, bottle stores and eating outlets and is popular among Namibians from all walks of life.
“When we invite youths to come to such events they do not show up, that is why we decided to go where they are. I am surprised by their positive support. Many were happy to get condoms which were distributed for free,” said the HIV-positive Sheefeni.
“I mostly want to thank the Ministry of Health and Social Services, City of Windhoek and City Police for their support, I truly appreciate it,” said Sheefeni.
Last year Sheefeni walked from Ongwediva to Windhoek to promote HIV/AIDS awareness.