Stefanus Nambara 

MPORA – The Kavango West region is progressing well in controlling HIV/Aids, statistics provided by the Kavango West health and social services directorate has revealed.

According to the region’s health director Fransiska Hamutenya, 7 469 HIV-positive persons are currently receiving Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART). This, the directorate reported, is 96.2% of the HIV-positive population in the region.

This means that only 3.8% of the HIV-positive persons’ population is not receiving ART.  “We are expected to reach 100%,” Hamutenya said. Also on a positive note, the director reported that the viral load suppression rate currently is at 97%.

Meanwhile, 394 HIV-negative persons who are at risk of getting infected are receiving the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), an HIV prevention medication.

Hamutenya was speaking during the regional belated commemoration of World AIDS Day at Mpora village in Ncamagoro constituency on Friday. 

She said that the commemoration of the day must be a reminder to everyone to continue the fight against the virus.

“We should not talk ill of those on HIV treatment. To fight against the virus, we must all unite,” she said.

In addition, she said that there is hope in the day, as people now know what is expected of them to do in the fight against the virus.

“We know that if you get tested early, you will be treated to save your life. We know that if you follow your treatment as required, it suppresses the viral load, prolonging your life expectancy and health, and won’t be at risk of infecting others,” the director said.

She said that discrimination, not seeking early treatment after testing positive for the virus, stopping treatment midway and refusing to be treated at all are some of the challenges hindering the region’s efforts in controlling the virus.

“There are still many who are suffering in silence by not getting tested because of fear of being discriminated against. Let us all declare today that HIV is a virus, not a punishment. Therefore, those living with this virus must be respected and be free to involve themselves in any community work,” said Hamutenya.

She encouraged those who tests positive for the virus to make use of government’s HIV treatment services, which are free at their disposals.

She indicated that the region will continue with its efforts in preventing the virus by offering PrEP treatment, distribution of condoms and through other programmes especially among the youth.

– Stefanus Nambara is an information officer based at MICT Nkurenkuru.