Namibia seeks more domestic funding against HIV/AIDS

Namibia has called for increased domestic funding and better alignment of health programmes to sustain HIV/AIDS prevention efforts amid economic challenges and decreased international support.

Namibia’s Health and Social Services Minister, Kalumbi Shangula, announced this while speaking at the opening of the Second Regional Technical Network Meeting on HIV and Health Resource Optimisation in Windhoek.

Shangula stressed that challenges persist, particularly due to reduced international funding and the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We must focus on greater domestic resource mobilisation to underpin our response efforts,” he said.

The minister stressed the need for stronger national financial support. It also ensures effective alignment of health programmes to continue the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Shangula said countries must share experiences and strategies for improving national funding to support their health systems and HIV responses effectively.

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“The formation of this Regional Technical Network underscores the fact that the challenges we face in controlling the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

“It will also strengthen our health systems. This will cover the borders of all countries in the region,” the minister said.

He emphasized the goal to address the ongoing challenges and ensure that progress made in combating HIV/AIDS is not reversed.

The primary focus of the meeting is to develop strategies to optimize resources and improve the efficiency of health programmes.

Officials from Botswana, Lesotho, Zambia, South Africa, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, as well as representatives from various health organisations and development partners, attended the meeting. (Xinhua)