TUBERCULOSIS and HIV/AIDS are the major health threats in the Karas Region, according to Keetmanshoop State Hospital Principle Medical Officer, Dr Vyacheslav Verkhusha.

However, Verkhusha said the HIV prevalence rate amongst pregnant women decreased from 21 per cent in 2006 to 17 per cent in 2008. Verkhusha highlighted relatively poor treatment adherence among patients to antiretroviral treatment (often related to stigma), inadequate food and alcohol abuse as the major challenges in combating HIV-AIDS.

Dr Vyacheslav Verkhusha made the statements at a Women's Action for Development graduation ceremony in Keetmanshoop recently. Verkhusha further pinpointed accute respiratory infection, diarrhea and malnutrition as the most common childhood illnesses in the region.

"The majority of cases come from rural areas and the age of malnourished children admitted to the hospitals with severe malnutrition is usually between one to three years," Verkhusha said.

Verkhusha also expressed concern over the relatively high teenage pregnancy rate in the region, which currently stood at 15 per cent.

Teenagers from poor households and with no or little education have become victims of teenage pregnancy, and Dr Verkhusha encouraged teachers, parents and community leaders to get involve in addressing the issue.