Four years ago, Beata Moses reached a crossroads. With a Grade-10 high school certificate and unemployed, the 20-year-old found herself trying to navigate the demands of being a young, single mother. She and the father of little Tulela had split up during pregnancy, and he provided neither emotional nor financial support for the baby girl. …
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U.S. Ambassador to Namibia Randy Berry traveled to the Oshana, Oshikoto, and Ohangwena regions on May 8-11 to engage beneficiaries of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), senior government officials, and various members of the community. On Tuesday, Ambassador Randy Berry paid a courtesy visit to the Oshikoto and Ohangwena Regional Governors, Honorable …
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“She is an absolute delight to work with,” says one of Maxi’s colleagues at the non-governmental organization where they work together to improve Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers in Windhoek, Namibia. In 2021, Maxi joined DREAMS – an HIV prevention program for vulnerable adolescent girls and young women funded by the United States Government. When …
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John* plays quietly on the floor as his caregiver looks proudly on. Healthy and growing, John is the perfect example of a thriving 3-year-old. However, this was not always the case. John was infected with HIV at birth, and despite being put on the HIV treatment available at the time, the virus was not suppressed …
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Windhoek – U.S. Ambassador to Namibia Randy Berry traveled to the Erongo Region on April 3-5 to engage with local leaders, U.S. partners, and various communities. During his three-day visit, Ambassador Berry met with George Botshiwe, CEO of Navachab Gold Mine, to view how mining operations support Namibia’s economy. Botshiwe took Ambassador Berry for a …
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Windhoek – The Ambassador of the United States of America to Namibia, Randy Berry, handed over 26 mobile freezers and 21 temperature monitoring systems to the Ministry of Health and Social Services on March 28, 2023, at the Central Medical Stores in Windhoek. The equipment to the value of N$1.2 million helps the Health Ministry …
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Windhoek – In March 2023, U.S. Ambassador to Namibia, Randy W. Berry, had his first official trip to the cattle country– “a place where I felt very much at home since I grew up on a cattle ranch in the American West,” said Ambassador Berry when asked about Gobabis. After a courtesy call with Honorable Governor …
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Swakopmund – On March 9th, the U.S. Government joined the Ministry of Health and Social Services in commemorating yet another milestone of Namibia’s fight against HIV as the country managed to get 270,000 young boys and men circumcised, with support of the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). “The risk of contracting …
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Bringing HIV Services to Hard-to-Reach Populations “Good evening, do you have a moment to talk with us? Do you have friends who would like to join us?” These are some of the questions you can hear as the KP-STAR project team engages female sex workers on a street in Windhoek on a Friday night. KP-STAR …
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Smiling and singing, a group of mothers in the Oshana region are celebrating the graduation of their children. But this is no ordinary graduation. All the mothers are living with HIV, and the graduating children are just 18 months old. By taking their antiretroviral medicine consistently and correctly, the mothers have kept their infants HIV-free …
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Namibians warmly welcomed First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS) Dr. Jill Biden on her first official two-day trip in Namibia from February 22- 24, 2023. During her visit, the First Lady emphasized the importance of the partnership between the United States and Namibia, and our shared priorities in the region, including a focus on …
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The First Lady of the United States of America, Dr. Jill Biden, accompanied by the First Lady of the Republic of Namibia, Monica Geingos, are welcomed with a song by men and women in their navy t-shirts and pink striped traditional attire in a room at the Hope Initiatives Southern Africa- Namibia (HISA) project on …
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Twenty years ago today, President George W. Bush declared that preventing and treating HIV/AIDS was a foreign policy priority of the United States. At a time when nearly 30 million people were HIV positive, but very few were receiving life-saving medicines, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) transformed the global AIDS response and …
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Today is a very special day in Meme Linea Absalom’s life: The 55-year-old Namibian receives her first COVID-19 vaccination at the Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital near the town of Ondangwa. “I just like to feel safe, and the vaccination means that I can be safe,” she explains. The vaccine that she receives came a long way …
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Ondangwa – The U.S. Government funded Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS free, Mentored and Safe (DREAMS) program handed over 100 tablets to the Regional Director of Education in the Oshikoto Region on December 9, 2022. The tablets are earmarked for 100 students who are DREAMS participants from various schools in the Oshikoto Region. This donation comes …
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It is yet another scorching hot day in Eenhana, the capital of northern Namibia’s Ohangwena Region. Dozens of people are convened under the cover of a tree for respite. Like many others present, the Hafunda family travelled 25 kilometres to Eenhana from their home in Oshikonda Village with one goal in mind – to finally …
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Good afternoon! It is an honour to be with you today to commemorate this World AIDS Day. The United States government remains committed to work with the Namibian government by “Putting Ourselves to the Test to Achieve Equity to End HIV”, which is the United States’ theme for this year’s World AIDS Day. This theme …
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Windhoek – The United States government through the U.S President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) reaffirms its commitment to fight against HIV/AIDS and remembers the millions of people who have died of AIDS. In Namibia, PEPFAR works closely with the Namibian government to advance the health of the Namibian people through HIV prevention, care, …
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Okahandja – The Swearing-in Ceremony for 14 Peace Corps Volunteers took place on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at Andreas Kukuri Conference Centre in Okahandja. The Minister of Health and Social Services, Honorable Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, delivered the keynote address to welcome Peace Corps’ Volunteers to Namibia. The U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, Ms. Jessica Long, the Executive …
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Good morning, I am delighted that we are all gathered here today to witness and celebrate this important event, representing yet another milestone of the continued partnership between the United States and the Government of Namibia in the fight against COVID-19. The United States has committed over US$20 million – or more than N$350 million …
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Windhoek – The Ministry of Health and Social Services, with support from the United States, launched an updated website and a social media campaign focusing on providing correct information and countering fake news around COVID-19 vaccines and the pandemic. Online and messenger platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have been identified as powerful influencers …
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Good morning and welcome! Today, we are here to celebrate the launch of the MenStar strategy, a critical program focused on improving health outcomes for men, and just as importantly, helping men to be community leaders in fighting the HIV epidemic in Namibia. On behalf of the U.S. Government, I am proud to be here …
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Thank you for inviting me to this auspicious occasion. I want to thank the Office of the Prime Minister for its technical guidance and support for this initiative; Mr. Ben Nangombe, Executive Director of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, for his leadership; Mr. Jeremia Nghipundjwa and Ms. Anna Isaacs for their day-to-day management …
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Windhoek – The Ministry of Health and Social Services launched a new state-of-the-art human resource management system in the capital. The digital, web-based integrated Human Resources Information System (iHRIS) is in use in more than 20 countries worldwide to manage health workforces in order to improve access to health services. The iHRIS will reduce the …
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Windhoek – The U.S. Government has supported the Ministry of Health and Social Services in fighting COVID-19 since the virus arrived in Namibia. After two years of a prolonged battle against the pandemic, all COVID-19 related restrictions were removed in July 2022. However, the country needs to be prepared for a possible resurgence. In support …
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Okambebe – HIV concentration in 90% of children living with the virus in Ohangwena Region is so low that a blood test cannot detect HIV anymore. This is the encouraging result of strict adherence to antiretroviral therapy and other support services provided by Project Hope’s Namibia Adherence and Retention Project (NARP). “Once HIV cannot be …
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Windhoek – The U.S. government upgraded the oxygen generation plant at the Onandjokwe Hospital in Ondangwa to provide a stable supply of medical grade oxygen to the health facility. Dr. Abeje Zegeye from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Namibia handed over the upgraded plant, worth US$1 million (approx. N$17 million) to …
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Windhoek – An HIV-positive person cannot infect a sexual partner if his or her viral load is so low that the virus cannot be detected by a blood test. This is the key message of the Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) campaign that was launched by the Ministry of Health and Social Services together with the …
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Let me begin by offering my sincere congratulations on the launch of this Minimum Package of HIV and TB Services for People in Correctional Facilities and Police Holding Cells. This is a shining example of partnership and collaboration and it my great pleasure to be here today on behalf of the United States Government. The …
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Congratulations Namibia! I am very proud to be here today because I was invited to speak when the new pediatric HIV medicine was introduced to Namibia just over a year ago, and I have closely watched the progress made since then. The child version of DTG (I understand that we call it “pediatric DTG”) was …
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Norich Uararakana Kaurika, 44, is a respected traditional circumciser from Okakarara, a small town in Namibia’s Otjozondjupa Region. Norich takes pride in performing circumcisions because, for his tribe (Ovaherero), tradition dictates that every young man should be circumcised not only as a rite of passage but also to prevent infections and improve hygiene. He explains …
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Windhoek – The U.S. Government-funded DREAMS program and the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service launched a Labor Market Assessment Report which identifies economic growth sectors, occupational and entrepreneurship opportunities for adolescent girls and young women in Namibia. The Labor Market Assessment Report is critical to chart an economic pathway for young women. The assessment …
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Windhoek – The United States handed over 6.9 million condoms and 2.6 million lubricants to the Ministry of Health and Social Services to address supply shortages. Namibia has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world, and condoms continue to be a health sector priority for preventing the spread of HIV. These commodities are …
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Windhoek – Yesterday, the U.S. Government-funded DREAMS program and the Ministry of Health and Social Services launched new public awareness materials encouraging young women at risk of contracting HIV to take Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis medication (PrEP) to stay HIV-free. PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by 90%. HIV prevalence among Namibian adolescent girls and …
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With only a Grade 10 in hand, 23-three-year-old Rempie Jeremaia from Omuthiya, just like so many other young Namibians, had limited options and was at high risk of living a life in poverty. But, with the help of DREAMS, a program funded by the U.S. Government President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the …
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Windhoek –The U.S. Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires Jessica Long and the Minister of Health and Social Services, Honorable Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, on Friday, April 08 opened Namibia’s first “World Health Day Share Fair” at Katutura’s UN Plaza. The Share Fair is a networking event organized by a U.S. government-funded Key Populations (KP) project called KP-STAR in …
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Thank you for inviting me to the opening of the first Share Fair with the theme “Our planet, our health” in association with yesterday’s World Health Day. On behalf of the U.S. government, I wish to begin by recognizing the Namibian government’s response to challenges posed by COVID-19. I also wish to highlight the heroic …
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“Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis or PrEP keeps me safe from contracting HIV.” These are the words of 40-year-old Mulela*, a resident of Makaravani location at Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi Region. Mulela was introduced to sex work by a friend as a last resort to provide for her three children aged 21, 15 and 13 years. “I …
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Good morning! It is great to be here. Usually, my job keeps me in Windhoek, so I am very pleased to join you today here. Travelling in this beautiful country is always a pleasure, especially when it is to see the amazing work the Ministry of Health and Social Services and its partners are doing. …
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Windhoek – The Ministry of Health and Social Services received today 200 new medical emergency beds following a months-long cooperation on the initiative by the U.S. Embassy in Namibia and the Namibian Embassy in the U.S. The Ministry will distribute the beds to four health facilities in support of Namibia’s COVID-19 response: Katutura Hospital, Okahandja Hospital, Onandjokwe Hospital, …
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Windhoek – The United States Government (USG) has been a partner in health with the Namibian Government for nearly two decades. We have been incredibly successful in our joint efforts related to HIV and TB. These efforts have revealed our commitment and reliability on issues of health. Fifteen years ago, people in Namibia were dying every day from HIV/AIDS. Families …
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The air was dry, the cloudless sky blue, and the road dusty in the quiet sleepy town of Outjo. With the sun shining mercilessly, hot air blew through the community hall’s windows and wide-open doors on the side and back of the hall. In this hall situated in Damara location was a sea of yellow …
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It is an honour to be with you today to commemorate this year’s World AIDS Day. The focus of our partnership with the Namibian government remains on ‘Ending the HIV epidemic, working on Equitable access and Hearing everyone’s voice’ which is also the United States government’s theme for this year’s World AIDS Day. As President …
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Windhoek – The U.S. government and Namibia’s Ministry of Sports, Youth and National Services (MSYNS) launched today a new program to provide better services to adolescent girls and young women and their male partners to prevent gender-based violence and HIV. The project agreement, worth N$5.4 million, was signed by the Director-General of the National Planning …
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USAID’s Office of HIV/AIDS (OHA) and Bureau for Resilience and Food Security (RFS) are pleased to announce the release of the Youth Employment Request for Information (RFI). This is the first collaboration of its kind working across USAID to mobilize the private sector on behalf of employment opportunities for youth at higher risk of HIV. This RFI is …
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Ndahafa is one of approximately 8,000 Namibian children living with HIV. She was diagnosed with the virus at the age of four, and since then, has been taking HIV medicine known as ART (antiretroviral therapy) at Eudafano Clinic, which is located five kilometers away from her homestead at Omatunda Village in the Ohangwena Region. A …
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Windhoek – At an event hosted at the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation today, the U.S. Embassy announced the donation by the United States government of 124,000 doses of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s global efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The vaccines arrived on October 22 following the …
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Windhoek – The U.S. government has donated 70 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds worth more than N$700,000. The Ministry of Health and Social Services will distribute the beds to eight health facilities: Katutura, Rundu, Oshakati, and Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospitals, Gobabis, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, and Katima Mulilo hospitals. During the third COVID-19 wave, many health facilities did not …
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Windhoek – The U.S. Government-funded Namibia Adherence and Retention Project (NARP) donated 100 footballs, 24 whistles, two goal nets, two stop watches and 20 chess boards to Learners of the Moses van der Byl Primary School in Katutura, Windhoek, and seven other Khomas schools. This is one of seven donations to six Regional Education Offices country-wide in …
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Windhoek – Today, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Jess Long announced that the United States will contribute US$90.4 million in 2022 towards Namibia’s fight against AIDS through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This is an increase from US$89 million contributed in 2021. The US$90.4 million will intensify the country’s efforts to reach epidemic control …
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Windhoek – The U.S. government-funded DREAMS Program has recently certified 23 young Namibian women as No-Means-No instructors to train adolescent girls in techniques to protect themselves against gender-based violence (GBV). The training strengthens self-esteem in young women and includes exercises in self-defense. “The No-Means-No instructors will play a pivotal role in addressing violence against children and gender-based …
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Windhoek – A delegation of six Congressmembers from the U.S. House of Representatives met today with President Geingob to encourage U.S.-Namibia partnership on global health, security, bilateral trade, climate change, racial justice, and other priorities that the two democracies share. The delegation is led by Congressmember Karen Bass of California, who is the Chair of the House …
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It is not a hot day, but the sun is striking a bright reflection from the white sandy soils of the village at the outskirts of Oshakati, a town in northern Namibia. Standing by her mother, almost leaning over her lap, is her little daughter. The girl’s feet are pale white from the dust she …
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Windhoek – The U.S. government donated medical personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies worth N$4 million (US$294,000) to the Ministry of Health and Social Services. The equipment has been distributed to frontline COVID-19 health care workers in health facilities all over the country over the past four weeks. The equipment includes 140,000 surgical masks, more than 25,000 …
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Oshakati – The U.S. government has provided food aid since February to more than 10,000 Namibian families in drought-stricken areas already suffering from the economic challenges due to COVID-19. The food is primarily going to households with children affected by HIV as well as people at risk of contracting HIV in 10 regions: Karas, Erongo, Otjikoto, Ohangwena, …
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Thank you very much for the warm welcome and the opportunity to be here with you this morning to learn more about this innovative approach to ensure the food security of those who are most vulnerable and in need. The U.S. government is committed to ensuring we sustain the gains we have made in controlling …
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Outapi – Over the past seven years, the U.S. Government has supported close to 60,000 Namibian orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) affected by HIV with services to live healthy, safe lives, and to stay in school. On May 27 in a ceremony at Outapi in the Omusati region, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief …
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Windhoek – The U.S. Government has donated 70 blood pressure machines and 41 patient monitors to the Erongo region health directorate to support the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This donation is in addition to the N$100 million of COVID-19 assistance for Namibia from the U.S. Government, which the U.S. Embassy announced in April …
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Windhoek – To continue increasing access to HIV services for all people in Namibia, the U.S. Embassy in Namibia has supported the opening of two HIV testing facilities in cooperation with the Namibian Correctional Service. Working through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Namibia (CDC Namibia) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health …
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Windhoek – The Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Program on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), Winnie Byanyima, recently visited beneficiaries of the U.S.-funded DREAMS project in Namibia. DREAMS stands for Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe and helps empower adolescent girls and young women and protect them from contracting HIV. Together with U.S. …
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Windhoek – On behalf of the Embassy and the people of the United States, I would like to congratulate all Namibians as you celebrate the 31st anniversary of Namibia’s independence. The United States values its strong partnership with Namibia over the past 31 years. Together we have confronted challenge after challenge, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the …
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Windhoek – Each year on March 8, the world celebrates International Women’s Day. This year, I am taking this opportunity to encourage women in Namibia, especially those who are HIV-positive, to get screened for cervical cancer. Every woman who has ever been sexually active should be screened regularly starting at the age of 20, every three …
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As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in Namibia, the U.S. Embassy also continues to provide support to the Ministry of Health and Social Services to respond to the challenges of COVID-19. Many people in Namibia travelled within and outside the country over the festive season. It is important to understand how and …
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Windhoek – The U.S. Embassy has handed over three Toyota Hilux Double Cab vehicles to the Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP), allowing the NIP to ensure quality HIV testing at regional laboratories. The value of the vehicles is N$1,716,000 (N$572,000 per vehicle). Quality assurance visits verify that testing conducted in all NIP laboratories across the country …
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This year’s World AIDS day theme is “Global solidarity, shared responsibility.” For over 15 years, the United States and Namibia have been partners in health. The result of our partnership is that Namibia is a global leader in the fight against HIV! Together with Namibia, we share a common interest in reaching and sustaining epidemic …
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The American Embassy is supporting 24 new public health jobs at the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS) to continue the fight on COVID-19. The new temporary employees, who started in October, have been hired for three months and work in seven regions to help keep the gains made in reducing COVID-19 transmission in …
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“Determining the Cost of Providing HIV Care and Treatment, Including the Achievement of Viral Suppression, to Patients at Antiretroviral Therapy Sites in Namibia” and “Assessment of Community Adherence Club Implementation in Namibia’s HIV Programme, July 2020” Good afternoon! The United States Government, through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), has been in Namibia since …
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Dr Eric Dziuban, “All you need is a plan, the roadmap, and the courage to press on to your destination”, by Earl Nightingale. This quote is by an American motivational speaker and radio personality. While it was written many years ago, it is perfect for today. We had the plan, we have the roadmap, and …
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Windhoek – Thirty-two young women have graduated as the first DREAMS Ambassadors in Namibia for the U.S. government-funded DREAMS program. The DREAMS program supports adolescent girls and young women between 10 and 24 years of age as well as their parents or caregivers and sexual partners to prevent new HIV infections through education in reproductive …
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Windhoek – The U.S. Embassy in Namibia has donated 11,000 face shields and 3,000 nasal testing swabs packaged with specimen transport media tubes to the Ministry of Health and Social Services and the Namibia Institute of Pathology. The donation is part of the N$100 million donation to fight COVID-19 that was announced by the U.S. Embassy …
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Windhoek – As part of the effort to expand HIV services in Namibia, the U.S. Embassy in Namibia has provided two Toyota Hiluxes and two Toyota Land Cruisers to NGO partner Development Aid from People to People (DAPP Namibia). DAPP Namibia, a local NGO that partners with the U.S. Embassy’s PEPFAR program and the Ministry of …
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Windhoek – U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson announced that the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) will contribute $89 million U.S. dollars to Namibia in 2021 to fight HIV. The funding amount is an increase from $81 million USD that the PEPFAR program provided in 2020. The $89 million USD will move U.S.-Namibian efforts …
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Thank you for joining this important media briefing today. I appreciate your interest in the work that the United States undertakes jointly with Namibia. We are strong partners in health. The United States President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) began its work in Namibia in 2005. We have been here for 15 years and …
Read More» The U.S. government is supporting the Ministry of Health and Social Services to hire 67 data clerks for a one-month period during the month of September. By increasing the Ministry’s capacity to analyse disease trends and patterns, Namibia is better able to understand and respond to healthcare needs of the population. These data clerks will …
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Gobabis – More than 4,000 Namibian HIV patients who stopped taking their antiretroviral medication have resumed treatment as a result of the United States’ food assistance program, which comes to an end in August. “I simply could not take my medication on an empty stomach because of side effects,” recalls Pezaje Tjazuvara from Otjinene, Omaheke …
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Windhoek, July 14 – Seven young women are launching their own tailoring business with the support of the U.S. government-funded DREAMS project. Today, the seven entrepreneurs delivered 300 face masks to Project Hope for use in Safe Spaces around Windhoek. Safe Spaces are locations at schools or in the community where adolescent girls and young …
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The United States Government through the World Food Program (WFP) continues to deliver food assistance during the COVID-19 state of emergency. The U.S. Embassy in Windhoek previously announced $8.6 million USD in food assistance to Namibians affected by the drought. Beneficiaries and staff distributing maize meal, beans, and vegetable oil are limiting the risk of …
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U.S. Ambassador to Namibia Lisa A. Johnson As U.S. Ambassador to Namibia, my priority has always been partnering with Namibia to improve the health of Namibians. The United States’ decades long investment in PEPFAR, in partnership with the Namibian government, has helped to save a generation of Namibians from HIV. Today, we are threatened by …
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I am proud to announce that the United States is providing N$100 million in assistance to Namibia to fight COVID-19. As U.S. Ambassador, my priority has always been partnering with Namibia to improve the health of Namibians. This is a partnership that works and it is helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Namibia. …
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March 19, 2020 – Today, U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson handed over to the Ministry of Health and Social Services three ambulances, hospital beds, and other medical equipment to help Namibia in the fight against COVID-19. Ambassador Johnson joined Health Ministry Executive Director Ben Nangombe as the ambulances and equipment were offloaded from shipping containers at …
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Ondangwa – U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson and Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila joined the UN World Food Programme (WFP) in Oshana Region on February 17, 2020 to deliver more than 85 tons of maize meal, beans, and vegetable oil to more than 12,000 vulnerable Namibians that are affected by the drought. This food delivery forms part …
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Good morning! It is a pleasure to be here today together with the Honorable Prime Minister and the United Nations World Food Program to see the expansion of U.S. provided food assistance to an additional six regions. This assistance began in December in Kavango East and West regions and now will also support those most …
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Swakopmund – On Thursday February 13, U.S. Ambassador to Namibia, Lisa Johnson joined the Minister of Health and Social Services, Honorable Dr. Kalumbi Shangula to deploy six new vehicles for use by clinical and nurse mentors. The six vehicles will be deployed in the Omusati, Kunene, Hardap, and Omaheke regions and will enable clinical and …
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Good morning and thank you all for attending the PEPFAR stakeholders’ meeting to kick off this year’s COP planning season. The United States is the single largest donor to Namibia’s fight against HIV, and we do not intend to stop now! We are excited to begin the planning process for COP20, which will provide PEPFAR …
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On January 23, U.S. Ambassador Johnson joined the Ministry of Health and Social Services at Oshakati and Onandjokwe Hospitals to learn more about why cervical cancer screening is so important for all women who are sexually active, and particularly women who are HIV positive. “Cervical cancer is a health risk that is preventable, unlike other …
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Rundu – Yesterday, U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson joined the UN World Food Programme, the Honorable Governor of Kavango East, and the Office of the Prime Minister to deliver several tons of maize meal, beans, vegetable oil, and salt to Namibians among those hit worst by the drought. This is the first food assistance of a …
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Good morning! It is a pleasure to be here today with the Honorable Governor and the United Nations World Food Programme. I am happy to announce that we are beginning the distribution of the U.S. food assistance to Namibian families suffering from the worst effects of the drought. What you see today is the first …
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It is my absolute pleasure to be here with you today to commemorate World AIDS Day in the Khomas region. With the global theme “Communities make a difference”, it is so important to see you, the members of this community, here today because the ability to make a difference is in your hands. Namibia’s goal …
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Windhoek – U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson launched the new PEPFAR-funded voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) program “SAFE VMMC” in Namibia. The up to five-year, US$33.5 million program is led by USAID and the Ministry of Health and Social Services. Through the VMMC program, implementer Abt Associates will expand voluntary medical male circumcision services to reach …
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On 1 October, 2019, the Executive Director from the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Ben Nangombe, and U.S. Ambassador to Namibia, Lisa Johnson, marked the introduction of the most advanced HIV treatment currently available, Tenofovir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir (TLD), to Namibia. The Executive Director and the Ambassador visited Nathaniel Maxwilili Clinic in Windhoek. During the clinic visit …
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Good morning! It is my pleasure to be here with you all today. The Namibia University of Science and Technology’s annual HIV/AIDS and Wellness Campaign is a great way for us to share information and increase our knowledge about HIV. This year’s theme, ‘Knowledge is Power,’ is appropriate because when we know more, we are …
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We are here today with the Yambidhidha Community Adherence Group to celebrate an important achievement: more than 3,200 people in eight health districts now receive their HIV medication through Tonata’s 322 Community Adherence Groups! If it were not for the Community Adherence Groups, many of those people would face difficulties in obtaining their medication and …
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Launch for the National Guidelines for Antiretroviral Therapy, the Paediatric and Adolescents ART Package, and the CBART Evaluation report Today is an exciting day. These new guidelines are making important changes in the way HIV positive patients will receive care and treatment. We also are launching several documents to support the Pediatric and Adolescents HIV …
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Tsumkwe – The United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Country Representative, Dr. Randy Kolstad, handed over a 4×4-vehicle and cartridges for a GeneXpert TB diagnostic machine to use for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis, to the Ministry of Health and Social Services at Tsumkwe, Otjozondjupa Region, on 17 July 2019. Over the past five years, one …
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Oshakati – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) handed over warehouse equipment valued at N$500,000 to the Multi-Regional Medical Depots of Oshakati and Rundu on 25 July 2019. Each warehouse received half of the equipment consisting of items such as semi-electric stackers, heavy-duty mobile platforms, and safety gear. The items that are funded …
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Oniipa – As part of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) together with the Namibian Government launched the DREAMS STEM Educational Empowerment Program for 16 schools in the Oshikoto Region at Hans Daniel Namuhuja Secondary School on 05 June 2019. DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, …
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Thank you for attending this important media briefing today. I appreciate your interest in this life-saving work that the United States government undertakes jointly with the Namibian government. The United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) was enacted on May 27, 2003, and began its work in Namibia in 2005.Our commitment remains unwavering. …
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Remarks by the U.S. Ambassador to Namibia, Ms. Lisa Johnson and CDC Country Director, Dr. Eric Dziuban at the announcement of the new MoHSS-CDC 5 year cooperative agreement U.S. Ambassador to Namibia, Ms. Lisa Johnson Good morning – I am thrilled to be here with you today. The U.S. Embassy and the Ministry of Health …
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On March 29 the U.S. Ambassador to Namibia, Lisa Johnson, presented certificates of completion to healthcare providers from the Khomas Region who have been trained on the “screen and treat” procedure as part of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relieve (PEPFAR). The Ambassador also sat in on a patient education session to learn more …
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Dr. Randy Kolstad, USAID Country Representative, Launch of National Guidelines for the Treatment and Management of TB & National Tuberculosis Disease Prevalence Survey It is an honor to join you today in this beautiful Oshakati stadium for this year’s World TB Day commemorations. Today’s commemorations are part of a worldwide occasion to raise awareness about the …
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Windhoek – On 18 March 2019, the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) handed nutrition equipment valued at N$1 million (US$72,000) to the Ministry of Health and Social Services at Windhoek’s Maxuilili Clinic. The equipment, which consists of 100 body weighing scales, 100 height-measuring …
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Good morning, and thank you for inviting me to join you in celebration of International Women’s Day. Each of us is here today because we know that empowering women – economically, politically, and socially – is essential to creating sustainable and prosperous societies. We strongly support Namibia’s theme for this year’s Women’s Day, “empowering people …
Read More» For 30 years we have marked World AIDS Day. On this day we reflect on the impact HIV/AIDS has had on the lives of millions of people around the world. This day also is a solemn reminder of the many lives lost to HIV/AIDS. Today in Namibia, however, we have cause for hope and also …
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Windhoek – On 28 November 2018, the United States Government (USG), represented by the Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Government of the Republic of Namibia, represented by the National Planning Commission (NPC) and the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS), signed an amendment to their 2007 bilateral grant agreement to add US$28.2 …
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Thank you all for being at this very important event. Today, we will highlight three organizations that have secured funding from the PEPFAR Small Grants Program. These organizations, based in your communities, are working to support the Ministry of Health and Social Services by bringing additional HIV services to you through community mobilization. For the …
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Thank you for inviting me here today. I, too, come from a small town, so it is special for me to have the opportunity to visit places such as Akutsima. While quite different from my home town, what is the same is the sense of community. I am telling you this because I want you …
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Today marks the first day of the 2018 Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) HIV/AIDS Wellness Campaign. I trust that all of you have heard a lot about HIV before today. So I hope you already are well-equipped with information about how you can protect yourselves from contracting HIV, what to do if you …
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35,000 Clients Reached with Private Sector Support for Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) Through the leadership of the Honorable Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Bernard Haufiku, Namibia has made great strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS, establishing itself as a global leader. The recent NAMPHIA data are clear testimony to this great achievement …
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Today is a remarkable day. The results presented here today show that Namibia is one of the countries leading the world in implementation of a successful national response to end the HIV epidemic. Namibia, I congratulate you. I especially want to congratulate the women of Namibia for having already achieved the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets two …
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Today we are celebrating the “DREAMS” program. The name is very appropriate, because through this program, adolescent girls and young women receive the support they need to be Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe. And with this support, they can achieve their dreams. All too often, girls’ dreams are interrupted. Research shows a cycle …
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Windhoek – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is pleased to announce a N$32,000,000 partnership over five years with the TONATA PLHIV (People Living with HIV) Network to expand community-based HIV treatment among its network of over 600 community support groups representing 17,300 Namibians living with the virus. The partnership with funding from …
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Congratulations to the clinical staff, community workers, Ministry of Health and Social Services, and most importantly, families and children, on achieving zero cases of HIV infection in 2017 among children born to mothers living with HIV who enrolled in mother-baby follow up in this clinic. This site is one of 21 PEPFAR-supported Ministry sites across …
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Windhoek – On 19 March 2018, the United States Ambassador Lisa Johnson, together with representatives of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, celebrated the successful treatment of three young patients suffering from extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) at the Katutura Intermediate Hospital’s TB Clinic in the capital. The cured patients are part of a group …
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Remarks by Ambassador Johnson 2018 International Women’s Day Reception Thank you for joining me this evening to celebrate International Women’s Day, recognized around the world on March 8. March also is Women’s History Month in the United States, so I’m keeping the celebration going. International Women’s Day first was recognized in 1911 as a strategy …
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Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Thomas F. Daughton at the 2017 World AIDS Day Commemoration Katima Mulilo Sports Field, Zambezi Region Good morning! It is a great privilege and honor to be here with you today at the official commemoration of the 30th World AIDS Day. I am especially honored because this is my fourth – but unfortunately last …
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Remarks of U.S. Ambassador Thomas F. Daughton at the PEPFAR Namibia Stakeholder Engagement Meeting Colleagues and partners in the fight against HIV and AIDS in Namibia, ladies and gentlemen, good morning! Welcome to the latest in our regular series of PEPFAR Namibia stakeholder engagement meetings. I am very happy to see all of you, including …
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Windhoek – On 06 November 2017, the United States Government (USG), represented by the Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Government of the Republic of Namibia, represented by the National Planning Commission (NPC) and the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS), signed an amendment to their 2007 bilateral grant agreement to add US$31 …
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U.S. Ambassador Thomas F. Daughton remarks on the Launch of the National Health Report 2014/2015 (Delivered By Mr. Robert Rhodes, Acting USAID Country Representative) Safari Court Hotel, Windhoek, Khomas Region I would like to congratulate the Ministry of Health and Social Services on the completion of the 2014/15 Health Accounts Report, the fifth round of …
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Remarks by Ambassador Thomas F. Daughton for the handover of Nkurenkuru Health Centre and Nankudu ART Clinic Upgrades Nankudu District, Kavango West Region Good morning! Early this year, the U.S. Government through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, committed itself to provide improved antiretroviral treatment clinic spaces for the communities served by …
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U.S. Ambassador Thomas F. Daughton remarks to the 2nd Annual HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign Good morning! It is a real pleasure for me to be here again today to help commemorate the second HIV/AIDS awareness week at the Namibia University of Science and Technology. I’m particularly pleased that the theme for this year’s awareness week is …
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Ms. Michele Russell, Acting Country Representative, USAID Namibia Remarks at Graduation of Community Health Workers Regional Council Hall, Outapi, Omusati Region On behalf of USAID and the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, PEPFAR, I thank you for the opportunity to address you at this wonderful occasion – an occasion that can make us …
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U.S. Ambassador Thomas F. Daughton remarks on The Milestone of the 50th Health Facility Equipped With The Facility Electronic Stock Card (FESC), Okatana Health Center, Oshakati District, Oshana Region Good morning! It is a real pleasure for me this morning to be able to join the leadership of Oshana region in unveiling the electronic stock card …
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Remarks of U.S. Ambassador Thomas F. Daughton at the Launch of the District Health Information System Version 2 Good morning! I have said it before and I will say it again: Namibia’s response to the HIV epidemic is data-driven and always has been. Today we get another opportunity to see proof of that statement with the …
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Good evening and thank you for joining us to celebrate the 241st anniversary of American independence. This is the third and, I expect, the final Independence Day that I will have the honor to address all of you as the U.S. ambassador to Namibia. It has been nearly three years since my wife, Mindy, and …
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U.S. Ambassador Thomas F. Daughton remarks at the Onjuva Clinic Opening, June 13, 2017 It is an honor for me to be here today on the auspicious occasion of the long-awaited opening of the Onjuva Clinic. You may have noticed a plaque near the entrance to the clinic. The plaque reads, “The construction of this building …
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U.S. Ambassador Thomas F. Daughton remarks on the Milestone of 750 People Living with HIV receiving ARV Medication through Refill Groups Onandjamba Village, Onyaanya Constituency, Oshikoto It is a great honor for me to be here in Onandjamba today to celebrate an important milestone on the road to controlling the HIV epidemic in Namibia. For …
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Windhoek – On 24 May 2017, United States Ambassador Thomas F. Daughton handed over the first of eight water tanker trucks to NamWater, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Forestry, as part of the U.S. government’s current drought assistance to Namibia. Following President Hage Geingob’s state of emergency declaration last year, these off-road (6×6) …
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Windhoek – Squinting in the hot northern Namibian sun, a man smartly dressed in a nurse’s uniform greets us with a warm smile. Rightwell Zulu, or “Dr. Zulu,” as he is affectionately called by his colleagues, is a nurse mentor at Nyangana District Hospital in Namibia. Zulu, together with his colleagues, Veronika Shivute and Felistas …
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Windhoek- U.S. Ambassador Thomas Daughton traveled to the Kavango East region to join mothers and their babies celebrating the achievement of preventing HIV transmission from mother-to-child thanks to the Ministry of Health and Social Services’ Early Infant Diagnosis program (EID). The EID program implements early postnatal HIV testing of children as early as 48 hours …
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Ambassador Thomas F. Daughton remarks for the SMS printer, Mashare Clinic, Kavango, May 12, 2017 We have come here today to see one of the 39 SMS (text message) printers currently operational in Kavango East and West, at one of the 232 clinics throughout Namibia that currently uses these printers. The use of these printers …
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U.S. Ambassador Thomas F. Daughton remarks at the Early Infant Diagnosis Milestone, Nyangana Hospital, Nyangana District, Kavango Region, May 11, 2017 It is a pleasure to be here with you at Nyangana Hospital to celebrate your achievements in preventing HIV transmission from mothers to their children. And I am proud and honored that the United States government …
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Ambassador Thomas F. Daughton remarks for the launch of the Namibia Population-Based HIV Survey (NamPHIA) It is a great honor for me to be here today at the launch of the Namibia Population-Based HIV Survey, or NamPHIA. For more than a decade, the American government, through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), has …
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Windhoek – On Monday 10 April, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Juliet Kavetuna, and U.S. Ambassador Thomas Daughton attended one of the training sessions conducted by the Ministry of Health and Social Services on the use of respiratory protection by health care workers. The training was conducted by 3M and CYMOT with support …
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U.S. Ambassador Thomas F. Daughton at the Challenge TB Milestone: Increased Access to TB/HIV Services, Okuryangava Clinic, Windhoek, March 22, 2017 Ministry of Health and Social Services officials from the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Program, members of the Regional and District office, health staff of this clinic, TB Community Ambassadors, patients, members of the media, …
Read More» Windhoek — The U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will purchase eight (8) water tanker trucks and promote community and school sanitation valued at US$1.6 million (N$21 million). Additionally, USAID, with funding from the President’s Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), is rolling out US$2.2 million (N$28 million) in drought …
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Remarks of Thomas F. Daughton, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Namibia, to HIV Prevention and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for Adolescent Girls and Young Women: Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Consultation 1-3 February 2017, Windhoek, Namibia Good afternoon! If it’s not too late, given that we’re already into February, let me wish you all a happy new …
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Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Thomas F. Daughton at the handover of Community-Based ART (C-BART) Clinic to Oupili Community Okongo District, Ohangwena Region Good morning! During the last couple years, in my role as U.S. Ambassador I have had the opportunity to visit many places in this beautiful country, but it is truly a pleasure for me to …
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Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Thomas F. Daughton at the handover of Community-Based ART (C-BART) Clinic to Omutwe-Womhunu Community Okongo District, Ohangwena Region Good afternoon! During the last couple years, in my role as U.S. Ambassador I have had the opportunity to visit many places in this beautiful country, but it is truly a pleasure for me to …
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Remarks by U.S Ambassador Thomas. F. Daughton at the World AIDS Day 2016 Commemoration Vineta Sports Field, Swakopmund Good morning! This is the third year that I have had the pleasure to march alongside you, and I thank you for inviting me again. It is a great honor and privilege to be here in Swakopmund for the …
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Remarks at National AIDS Conference in Swakopmund Good morning. It is an honor and privilege for me to be present today at the first National AIDS Conference in Namibia. This is yet another milestone, made possible by the Ministry of Health and Social Services staff members, political leaders, partners and U.S. government staff who all contributed …
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Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Thomas F. Daughton at the Official Handover of Acceleration Plan Vehicles to Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) Directorate of Special Programs Good morning! It is a real pleasure for me to be back at the Ministry of Health and Social Services today to participate in another event marking our longstanding, close cooperation …
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Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Thomas F. Daughton at Katima Mulilo office opening, ARV Clinic Groundbreaking and Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP) Laboratory Renovation – Katima Mulilo Hospital Good morning! It is a real pleasure for me to be back at Katima Mulilo Hospital today. My last visit here was back in February and one thing is immediately …
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Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Thomas F. Daughton Launch of Project ECHO Directorate of Special Programs, MOHSS, Windhoek October 17, 2016 Good Afternoon. I am delighted to be here with you to witness the launch of the continuation phase of Project ECHO, which stands for Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes. Project ECHO is a unique tele-health platform and the …
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Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Thomas F. Daughton at the Official Handover of Prefabricated Containers to Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP) Engela District Hospital Good morning, and thank you all for joining us today to mark an important milestone in the provision of high-quality HIV treatment to Namibians living with HIV in this district. It’s important because …
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Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Thomas F. Daughton at the Official Handover of Prefabricated Containers to Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP) Onandjokwe District Hospital Good morning, and thank you all for joining us today to mark an important milestone in the provision of high-quality HIV treatment to Namibians living with HIV in this district. It’s important because today …
Read More» Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Thomas F. Daughton Official Opening of the Scaling Up HIV Viral Load Testing Workshop Safari Hotel, Windhoek September 13, 2016 Good morning! It is a pleasure for me to welcome you to Windhoek for what I am sure will be a valuable workshop on scale-up of viral load testing. This is the third in …
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Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Thomas F. Daughton 20th HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign at NUST Namibia University for Science and Technology Good morning! It is a real pleasure for me to be here today to join you for the 20th HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign. The Namibia University of Science and Technology is at the forefront of shaping the …
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Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Thomas F. Daughton for the Official Opening of the Scaling Up HIV Viral Load Testing Workshop Safari Hotel, Windhoek September 13, 2016 Good morning! It is a pleasure for me to welcome you to Windhoek for what I am sure will be a valuable workshop on scale-up of viral load testing. This is the third …
Read More» “Scaling up HIV Viral Load Testing and uptake of the Results through Improving Efficiencies of Systems” More than 120 technical experts from 11 different African countries are expected to convene in Windhoek, Namibia on 13 September, for a four-day HIV Viral Load Testing workshop at Safari Court Hotel. Viral load testing is recommended by the …
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Ongwediva — On 02 August 2016, U.S. Ambassador Thomas Daughton and Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services Juliet Kavetuna welcomed more than 100 new health care workers hired through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) who will soon be deployed to health facilities in seven districts (Onandjokwe, Omuthiya, Tsumeb, Oshikuku, Andara, Nyangana, Engela) …
Read More» More than 150 people gathered to fill the seats and bleachers to witness the U.S. Government hand over a surgical field hospital to the Namibian Defense Force (NDF) on September 29, 2014. The NDF will use the tent to offer Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) services to all defense force personnel, free of charge. In …
Read More» With U.S. government support, Development Aid from People to People (DAPP) is saving lives in Namibia by testing, counseling and caring for people living with HIV/AIDS. DAPP provides vital health services in five of the most affected regions of Namibia with funding from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the Centers …
Read More» United States, through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funded a soccer field, netball court, and basketball court for learners at Oshekasheka Combined School near Ondangwa. “Through the PEPFAR-funded program, youth have become empowered, gained confidence to make the right decisions about their health, and developed leadership skills,” said U.S. Embassy Chargé …
Read More» With PEPFAR Support, Young People “Wize-Up” to “Sugar Daddies” Young people at the University of Namibia commemorated the conclusion of a PEPFAR-funded US$24,097 small grant with a public performance by Desert Soul, a community-based edutainment group. The standing-room only crowd of more than 200 viewers witnessed the use of theater, film, printed material, social media, …
Read More» PEPFAR Concludes Youth Program with Sports Day The United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Frank Fredericks Foundation, a local NGO run by a Namibian athletic hero, concluded a successful one-year program for youth in Windhoek’s informal settlements with a sports day, with participation of more than 80 young people. The …
Read More» PEPFAR-supported program reduces stigma about HIV PEPFAR funded a successful HIV youth prevention program in northern Namibia. Through the one-year program, Caprivi Hope for Life (CHFL) reached out to youth in and out of school, and the general public to reduce stigma and create positive behaviours to prevent HIV. CHFL empowered youth to gain the …
Read More» Between 19-27 June, the Gender Research and Advocacy Project of the Legal Assistance Centre with funding from the U.S. Embassy through the Presidents Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR), will be visiting seven magistrates courts in Namibia to discuss with service providers how Namibia can improve its responsiveness to cases of domestic violence. Members of …
Read More» Desert Soul Health and Development Communication will perform Wize Up – a musical April 10, 2014 to raise awareness about preventing HIV/AIDS and promoting HIV testing and counseling. The musical, to take place at the University of Namibia’s Space Theatre, is the finale of the organization’s youth campaign on HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive …
Read More» The United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Frank Fredericks Foundation partnered to provide an enriching one year long program to youth in Windhoek’s informal settlements. The program included sports programs involving an educational component to raise awareness about the realities of HIV/AIDS in Namibia. March 11, 2014 at 2:30 p.m. …
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