By Caleb Shatyohamba
RUNDU, DECEMBER 14 || The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has revealed that the Namibian government has successfully funded over 70% of the national HIV/AIDS response. This announcement was made by Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, the Minister of Health and Social Services, during the commemoration of World AIDS Day in the Kavango East Region on December 13, 2024.
Dr. Shangula noted that the remaining 30% of the funding comes from external partners. Namibia has been widely praised for meeting the Abuja Declaration target of allocating 15% of the national budget to the health sector.
As part of the event, Dr. Shangula launched several key documents aimed at strengthening the country’s HIV and TB response. Notable among them is the 4th Edition of the Drug-Resistant TB Pocket Guidelines. Namibia is currently ranked 10th among countries with the highest TB incidence rates, and TB continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV.
“The revised Pocket Guidelines align with the latest scientific and clinical evidence to ensure that patients receive the most effective and efficient treatment regimens. This improves adherence to treatment and reduces its duration,” said Dr. Shangula.
Dr. Shangula also introduced the Mine Health and Safety Standard Operating Procedure, which has been adapted for local use from the SADC template developed by the East, Central, and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC). This document focuses on addressing health risks such as TB, HIV, silicosis, and occupational lung disease within the mining sector.
Additionally, the Mental Health Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for HIV and TB care were launched for the first time. This document provides healthcare providers with clear guidelines for integrating mental health support into the treatment of individuals living with HIV and TB.
“This SOP ensures that both the physical and mental health needs of patients are addressed in a coordinated manner, resulting in more comprehensive and effective care,” Dr. Shangula explained.
To complement these initiatives, a newly designed mental health toolkit was introduced to equip Community Health Workers with the knowledge needed to promote mental wellness at the community level.
“This toolkit empowers community cadres to identify, support, and address mental health challenges within their communities, particularly for those affected by HIV and TB,” Dr. Shangula concluded.-Namibia Daily News.
