Community-led initiatives for HIV
World AIDS day commemorated
To address the multifaceted challenges posed by HIV/AIDS in Namibia, Catholic AIDS Action (CAA), an independent trust, is actively engaged in community-based interventions.The organisation, working at grassroots level, not only focuses on individuals living with HIV but also extends its support to those facing other social problems, particularly centred around poverty, vulnerability and gender-based violence.
During a recent handover as part of Namibia Media Holding's Give Hope charity drive, CAA director Lorenz Hembapu highlighted the organisation's efforts to meet the diverse needs of those affected by HIV/AIDS. Categorised into biomedical needs for those newly diagnosed and social-economic needs for those on antiretroviral therapy (ART), the organisation implements projects like resilience-building initiatives, gardening projects and support groups.
Namibia commemorates World AIDS Day on 1 December in Mariental, focusing on the theme of community empowerment.
The UNAIDS Global AIDS Update, launched by Winnie Byanyima, the United Nations Under Secretary General and UNAIDS Executive Director, indicates a path to end AIDS and prepares for future challenges. In Namibia, encouraging statistics reveal that 95% of adults aged 15 to 49 are aware of their HIV status, with 97% accessing treatment and 94% achieving viral load suppression.
The CAA remains committed to its mission, contributing significantly to the fight against HIV/AIDS in Namibia.