Community-led initiatives for HIV
NMH supports community-based support trust
Namibia Media Holdings recently handed over a donation of toiletries, books and toys as part of the Give Hope Charity Initiative to the Catholic AIDS Action (CAA) Trust.
In a bid to address the multifaceted challenges posed by HIV/Aids in Namibia, the Catholic AIDS Action (CAA) Trust is actively engaged in community-based interventions.
The organisation, working at the grassroots level, not only focuses on individuals living with HIV/Aids but also extends its support to those facing other social problems, particularly centred around poverty, vulnerability and gender-based violence.
During a recent handover of toiletries, books and toys as part of Namibia Media Holding's Give Hope Charity Initiative, 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.
Notable progress
As Namibia gears up for World Aids Day on 1 December, the national event will take place in Mariental, focusing on the theme of community empowerment. “We should celebrate achievements in reducing mortality rates. Community-led initiatives are therefore important to combat stigma and encourage open discussions about HIV/Aids,” Hembapu said.
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.
The organisation, working at the grassroots level, not only focuses on individuals living with HIV/Aids but also extends its support to those facing other social problems, particularly centred around poverty, vulnerability and gender-based violence.
During a recent handover of toiletries, books and toys as part of Namibia Media Holding's Give Hope Charity Initiative, 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.
Notable progress
As Namibia gears up for World Aids Day on 1 December, the national event will take place in Mariental, focusing on the theme of community empowerment. “We should celebrate achievements in reducing mortality rates. Community-led initiatives are therefore important to combat stigma and encourage open discussions about HIV/Aids,” Hembapu said.
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.
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