Windhoek — The 2009 HIV/AIDS Implementers' meeting concluded early this week after four days of discussions, presentations, and plenary sessions.

Richard Kamwi, Minister of Health and Social Services, presided over the closing. First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba delivered closing remarks at the conference, marking the finish of another successful Implementers' meeting. They were joined by ambassador Dennise Mathieu, US ambassador to Namibia, and Elizabeth Lule, manager of the World Bank's AIDS Campaign Team for Africa.

Three key themes arose repeatedly at the conference: sustainability, efficiency and effectiveness, and prevention. Discussions focused on the need for programs to be locally owned and led to ensure the sustainability of HIV/AIDS efforts.

While international organizations play a key role in supporting national strategies, leadership from host nations is essential. In addition, all partners must work together and clearly set out roles, responsibilities, and accountability of host governments, civil society, and international partners. In this time of global economic pressures, presenters emphasized the need to use funds for HIV/AIDS programs as effectively and efficiently as possible.