A total of 28 732 people are on anti-retroviral treatment in the Ohangwena region, governor Sebastian Ndeitunga has revealed.
Of this figure, 85.3% are achieving viral load suppression, Ndeitunga stated.
Further, the prevention of mother-to-child transmission programme has also been implemented in all health facilities, to ensure that no child is born with HIV in the region.
Ndeitunga made these revelations during the State of the Region Address (Sora) in Eenhana earlier this week.
“The construction of Onamafila Clinic is nearly complete, with only water and electricity installations that need to be finalised. A new contractor for Onanghulo Clinic has been appointed and the work is progressing well,” Ndeitunga said, in a Sora primarily hinged on healthcare provision in the region.
He mentioned that the cost for Onamafila Clinic was N$17.6 million, while Onanghulo Clinic is about to be completed at a cost of N$16.2 million.
“Approval has also been granted to build a prefabricated clinic at Onamukulo,” he said.
He added that out of 1 250 babies exposed to HIV in the region, only 18 were born with the virus.
Ndeitunga further revealed that from 49 403 people tested for HIV during the year under review, 853 cases tested positive, with the majority now on ARV treatment.
He added that tuberculosis (TB) remains a challenge in the region where 910 TB cases were detected and subsequently put on treatment, giving a success rate of 80%.
The governor stressed that a successful Eye Care Service Campaign was completed at the Engela District Hospital, which saw 468 patients’ vision restored.
He further stated that during the year under review, the Ministry of Health and Social Services implemented several projects and programmes to improve the residents’ health and welfare.
In addition, the governor said two prefabricated structures have been installed at Etomba and Ndapona, to bring health services closer to the community, particularly for antiretroviral and TB treatment.
Meanwhile, Ndeitunga said the region has recruited seven doctors, 36 registered nurses, 17 medical officers, two dentists, and a few specialists at Okongo, Eenhana, and Engela District hospitals.
He also mentioned that the region reported a malaria outbreak between November 2023 and March 2024.
with a total number of 2 302 cases reported, recording a 0.53% case fatality rate.
“In response to the malaria outbreak, indoor residual spraying was conducted, achieving 39% coverage of sprayed domestic structures,” he noted.
Furthermore, teenage pregnancy remains a thorn in the region’s flesh.
Statistics provided by the governor indicate that 11 789 pregnancies were recorded at the public health facilities, of which 2 102 were of teenage mothers.
On the safety front, the Endola Police Station and Onhuno Road Traffic Checkpoint were constructed at the cost of N$425 821 and N$8.4 million, respectively.
Furthermore, through the ministerial emergency classrooms initiative, the directorate constructed 42 classrooms and seven ablution facilities at seven schools, comprising primary, combined and project schools.
He indicated that for the 2024/2025 financial year, the directorate has planned to construct 70 classrooms at 13 schools at the cost of N$23.1 million and renovate 10 schools at the cost of N$7.1 million in the region.
“I am also pleased to report that the directorate of education regional office has been completed to the tune of N$64.8 million,” Ndeitunga added.
He also mentioned that a total of 58 935 children have been registered on the social grant system, while old age and disability grants account for 28 900 beneficiaries.