N$840m for health services for vulnerable children, adolescents and youth
The US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is set to invest approximately N$840 million to provide crucial health and social services to vulnerable children, adolescents, and youth in Namibia. This significant commitment was announced by Tamara Cox, the Deputy Principal for USAID under PEPFAR Namibia, who is currently on an official visit to the country.Spanning five years, the "Reach Namibia" initiative will operate across eight regions, encompassing 80% of the nation's population. In these regions, where HIV has left children and youth vulnerable, enhanced access to health and social services will be established to prevent HIV contraction and promote a life free from AIDS.
The administration of the Reach Namibia program will be overseen by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), with implementation carried out by two local organizations: Project HOPE Namibia, operating within the Khomas, Oshana, Omusati, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, and Zambezi regions, and Intrahealth Namibia, operating in Kavango East and West.
Tamara Cox elucidated that Reach Namibia builds upon the achievements of the DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe) programme as well as initiatives that have bettered the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children, particularly those living with HIV. The new program aims to extend its reach to include yet-to-be-reached children and youth, including adolescent boys and young men who are susceptible to HIV.
Accompanying Cox on her official visit was Maria Price Detherage, the USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator for Africa. Both officials are in Namibia to gain firsthand insights into US government initiatives within the country, including visits to developmental and healthcare projects such as the Central Medical Store in Windhoek and clinics offering antiretroviral treatment (ART) and voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) at Engela Hospital in the Ohangwena region.
Achievable goals
Price Detherage commended Reach Namibia for its dedication to empowering young Namibians and their communities to fulfil the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) target of 97-97-97 by 2028. This goal signifies that 97% of the population will be aware of their HIV status, 97% of HIV-positive individuals will be receiving treatment, and 97% of those on treatment will exhibit reduced viral loads.
Ben Nangombe, MoHSS Executive Director, who was also present at the event, noted that Namibia's current figures stand at 92-99-94, indicating the country's proximity to realizing an AIDS-free generation.
Prior to her visit to Namibia, Price Detherage had journeyed to Angola and Botswana to share USAID's broader vision for the sub-Saharan region. This vision involves expanded programming to address food insecurity exacerbated by climate change and enhance the resilience of nations to its impacts.
The USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator highlighted the correlation between climate change, amplified floods, droughts, and the resultant threat to food security across Africa. Namibia, in particular, is highly susceptible to these adverse weather effects. The relationship between food insecurity and HIV epidemic control was emphasized, as maintaining adherence to antiretroviral treatment becomes challenging on an empty stomach.