EDITORIAL: The dangerous silence around HIV
As the festive season approaches – a time of movement and celebration – risks arise.
One of those is HIV. New crises might have quietly pushed aside HIV/Aids. Yet the virus remains deeply present. Last year, an estimated 220 000 Namibians were living with HIV.
There were 4 500 new infections, nearly a quarter among young people aged 15 to 24, and 3 200 Aids-related deaths. These figures, shared at the 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration in Otjiwarongo, should trouble a nation that once spoke openly and urgently about HIV.
There has been real progress.
Since 2010, new infections have declined by 61% and Aids-related deaths by 24%.
Namibia has achieved the global 95–95–95 targets, with most people knowing their status, accessing treatment and achieving viral suppression. Pregnant women are largely protected, and many HIV-exposed children receive early care. But success has bred complacency. Awareness campaigns have faded, schools speak less about HIV, and risky behaviour often rises during the festive season. Historic cuts in donor funding are disrupting services and weakening community-led programmes. This is a moment for caution. HIV education must return to classrooms and communities. Silence once cost lives – it shouldn't do so again.
One of those is HIV. New crises might have quietly pushed aside HIV/Aids. Yet the virus remains deeply present. Last year, an estimated 220 000 Namibians were living with HIV.
There were 4 500 new infections, nearly a quarter among young people aged 15 to 24, and 3 200 Aids-related deaths. These figures, shared at the 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration in Otjiwarongo, should trouble a nation that once spoke openly and urgently about HIV.
There has been real progress.
Since 2010, new infections have declined by 61% and Aids-related deaths by 24%.
Namibia has achieved the global 95–95–95 targets, with most people knowing their status, accessing treatment and achieving viral suppression. Pregnant women are largely protected, and many HIV-exposed children receive early care. But success has bred complacency. Awareness campaigns have faded, schools speak less about HIV, and risky behaviour often rises during the festive season. Historic cuts in donor funding are disrupting services and weakening community-led programmes. This is a moment for caution. HIV education must return to classrooms and communities. Silence once cost lives – it shouldn't do so again.
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