Khomas reaffirms HIV/Aids commitment

The Khomas Regional Council has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling HIV/Aids through increased budget allocations, expanded food support programmes and enhanced community engagement initiatives. Speaking at the third Regional AIDS Coordinating Committees (RACOC) meeting last Friday in Windhoek, the regional council chairperson John Moonde highlighted the region’s ongoing efforts to combat the epidemic.“In 2022, the Khomas Regional Council increased the HIV/Aids budget from N$150 000 to N$1.3 million allowing for greater impact in prevention, treatment, and support services,” Moonde said.Chief health programme officer Patemoshela Hamunyela highlighted the region's impressive 98% HIV treatment coverage and 91% viral load suppression. However, men continue to lag in seeking health services, he added. The region also recorded the highest TB cases in Namibia (15%). Challenges persist with healthcare infrastructure struggling to keep pace with population growth. Nationally, HIV counselling and testing stand at 93%, with a notable gap among men.One of the key achievements includes the expansion of food support to 630 beneficiaries, ensuring that people living with HIV (PLHIV) receive the necessary nutritional support to continue their treatment. The council has also introduced an empowerment initiative, enabling PLHIV to achieve financial independence through income-generating activities (IGA).“I once more urge the constituency Aids coordinating committee structures to be revitalised, and I also recommend the empowerment, incorporation and partnership with frequently established community-based innovations at the heart of the remote corners of our communities to cooperate with the stream of our regional response strategies,” Khomas regional governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua said at the meeting.Priorities outlinedPrevention efforts remain a top priority, with the council facilitating quarterly condom distributions across all 10 constituencies and promoting voluntary medical male circumcision.Additionally, inter-constituency sports tournaments engaging over 1 500 community members annually have been used as platforms to spread HIV awareness.Moonde emphasised the importance of collaboration with stakeholders, NGOs, faith-based organisations, and the health ministry to improve clinical care, treatment outcomes and reintegration efforts for those lost to follow-up.“As we move forward, let us strengthen partnerships, explore innovative approaches, and remain committed to making a tangible difference. Together, we are creating lasting change for a healthier and more resilient Khomas Region,” Moonde concluded.

Khomas reaffirms HIV/Aids commitment

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-19

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Khomas reaffirms HIV/Aids commitment

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-19

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