Namibia hosts critical meeting on HIV resource optimisation
Key stakeholders from across the region attend
According to the UN, approximately 38 million people worldwide are living with HIV, with Africa accounting for more than half of this burden.
Namibia is playing host to the second meeting of the Regional Technical Network (RTN) on Resource Optimisation of HIV and Border Health Resources.The event, which kicked off on Monday, is being attended by key stakeholders from across the African region and aims to analyse the current landscape of resource availability, utilisation, and mobilisation in the fight against HIV/AIDS, particularly in light of dwindling external support.
Ben Nangombe, executive director of the ministry of health and social services, delivering a statement on behalf of health minister Kalumbi Shangula, emphasised the significance of the gathering.
"Namibia is honoured to host this important meeting. For many years, the Africa region bore the brunt of the HIV epidemic, but through collective efforts, we have achieved tangible and notable progress."
However, he also acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in the face of declining resources and highlighted the need for continuous innovation and resource optimisation to meet global targets of eliminating HIV/Aids as a public health threat by 2030.
Dwindling resources
The meeting comes at a critical time when the continent continues to grapple with the impact of HIV/Aids. According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/Aids (UNAIDS), approximately 38 million people worldwide are living with HIV, with Africa accounting for more than half of this burden.
"Our response has made significant strides, with substantial reductions in new infections and Aids-related deaths over the past decade," Nangombe noted. "However, the fight against HIV/Aids has also been marked by dwindling resources, a reality we must confront."
Nangombe further stressed the importance of domestic resource mobilisation, particularly in light of reduced support from development cooperation partners, a trend exacerbated by the economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Some countries have been able to provide the majority of funding for their public health systems, while others have faced difficulties," he remarked.
Foster collaboration
The need for shared experiences and greater collaboration among African nations was a recurring theme throughout his address.
The formation of the Regional Technical Network was highlighted as a crucial step in fostering such collaboration. "The challenges we face in controlling the HIV/Aids epidemic and in strengthening our health systems are not confined to the borders of any single country in the region. These are shared challenges that transcend geographic and political boundaries," Nangombe said.
He called for "robust, sustained cooperation and coordination" among stakeholders, emphasising that the goal of sustainable control of HIV/Aids is not just a public health issue but also a matter of national security, economic stability and social equity.
During the first day of the meeting, delegates explored the application of costing and financing data to better inform planning decisions and develop priority action items for future activities and sustainability planning. The discussions provided valuable insights into the economic, equity and health-related cases for continued investment in the HIV response.
The meeting is set to continue this week, with delegates from various African nations and international partners, including PEPFAR, UNAIDS, and the Global Fund, participating in the discussions.