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Namibia: UNICEF Impressed With HIV Programmes
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New Era (Windhoek)
23 July 2008
Posted to the web 23 July 2008
Petronella Sibeene
Windhoek
Government's efforts to ensure universal access for all HIV/AIDS patients in need of anti-retroviral treatment has impressed the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) HIV/AIDS Chief Jimmy Kolker.
Ambassador Kolker, based in New York, last week visited different health centres in northern Namibia and based on his assessment, universal access to health care in the country is testimony to Government's commitment in the fight against the disease.
Reports show the Ministry of Health and Social Services' Prevention of Mother To Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme has gained momentum in reaching women. Statistics show that 78 percent of pregnant women are offered PMTCT at their first ante-natal clinic visit, while 85 percent of women who are found to be HIV positive receive ARV prophylaxis.
"It is exceptionally valuable that all services are found at one place. It's been great seeing the accomplishments in Namibia," he said.
ARVs are available in all 34 district hospitals and nine satellite sites countrywide.
"Namibia appears to be one of the leading countries in ensuring HIV-positive pregnant women have their CD4 count tested, and when appropriate are given ARVs for their own health," he added.
Ambassador Kolker, although he did not elaborate, suggested the need to strengthen or promote exclusive breast-feeding for women who live with HIV.
He added that the ministry could also accelerate the use of dual-therapy ARV prophylaxis for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Meanwhile, the new UNICEF Representative in Namibia Ian Macleod says youths in the country seem to be reluctant to go for voluntary testing at health centres, hence the need to strengthen mobile testing facilities.
Namibia is among the first top five countries in the world with the highest HIV prevalence, where national adult prevalence stands at 15.3 percent, and 19.9 percent comprises of pregnant women.
On average, the country records 40 new infections every day and 43 percent of these new cases are found among people aged between 15 and 24.
Macleod says there is need to create an expanded and holistic approach to Life Skills Education.
Thus, the current life skills curriculum can be expanded to include elements of 'My Future Is My Choice' and 'Window of Hope'.
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'My Future Is My Choice' is an official extracurricular activity where out-of-school youths facilitate training aimed at building HIV prevention knowledge and skills among young people aged 15 and above.
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