Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula has reaffirmed that the Namibian government is committed to ending HIV and AIDS  as a public threat by the year 2030.

He made these remarks in a speech delivered on his behalf at the World AIDS Day commemoration in Groot Aub on Saturday.
The event, themed as ‘Take the rights’ path’, was meant to remember and pay homage to Namibians who died from HIV and AIDS-related diseases.
Last year, there were approximately 230 000 people living with HIV in Namibia.

“I reaffirm the ministry and government’s unwavering commitment to ending the HIV and AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030,” Shangula said.
The minister noted that the government is devoted to making sure every Namibian seeking all HIV services can access them freely, using various interventions.

“We remain committed to ensuring that all Namibian citizens, in all parts of the country, who need HIV services, have access to the whole range of interventions provided by the government free of charge,” he stated.
He emphasised that the nation has gone forward in fighting the deadly disease.

“Namibia has made great progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS,” Shangula said.

Also speaking at the commemoration, regional councillor of the Windhoek Rural constituency Piet Adams said he is sure if people’s rights are guarded, AIDS would be eradicated.

“I can confidently say we will overcome AIDS if the rights of everyone, everywhere, are protected,” he noted.

Adams further urged leaders to take note of the event’s theme, and act on it.
“I call on all leaders to heed this year’s theme, and take the ‘rights’ path,” he added.

-Nampa