American Ambassador to Namibia Thomas Daughton yesterday announced that the USA government is committing an additional N$475 million over the next two years to Namibia to support a plan created to accelerate HIV treatment services in areas of the country where HIV prevalence is the highest and where the need for treatment is the greatest.

The World Health Organization, WHO, Country representative, Dr. Gama Vas, in his goodwill message, explained that this year’s commemoration was to ensure that in the next five years, 90% of infected persons know their status, 90% of those diagnosed with HIV are offered antiretroviral therapy and that 90% of people living with HIV and on treatment, achieve viral load suppression.

He then stressed the importance of a multi-sectoral approach to HIV/AIDS through active participation of all stakeholders, including Civil Society Organisations, Private sector, Faith-based organisations, communities and people living with HIV and AIDS. He said such practices are very necessary to be stopped if we want to end AIDS.

In South Africa, despite major advances in fighting Aids – from stronger political support for treatment to cheaper drugs and the discovery that male circumcision can cut transmission rates – those goals may be hard to meet, experts say. It also called for a need to increase the access to healthcare across the world.

These are estimated at around 25 per cent as those who take the drugs begin to feel better or as drugs are not delivered on time to rural clinics.

Volkswagen Beetle cars during a World Aids Day rally organised by Sri Lanka’s UNAIDS in Colombo.

Here in the Desert Southwest Yuma, United Church of Christ held a commemoration on behalf of those that are living with and have passed away with HIV or AIDS. In a country where 40 per cent of the population is under the age of 20, keeping young people – particularly young women – free of HIV will be the marker of success, he said.

For example, Britain’s National Aids Trust’s campaign for this year is Think Positive: Rethink Aids, challenging people to rethink outdated stereotypes, challenge myths and be positive about HIV.