Namibia, US Announce Phased HIV Funding Reduction

The governments of Namibia and the United States on Friday announced a planned, phased reduction of US financial assistance for Namibia's HIV-AIDS response. This follows the country's achievement of HIV-AIDS epidemic control and its surpassing of global targets. A joint statement issued by the Ministry of International Relations and Trade says under the new arrangement, US support will transition over the next year from financial assistance to a technical cooperation model as Namibia integrates its HIV response fully into its sustainable national health system, in line with the country's national laws. The two governments say the milestone reflects Namibia's leadership in combating HIV-AIDS and its growing capacity to sustain the gains through nationally led systems. Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn Namibia has become one of the first countries to surpass international HIV-AIDS targets, according to the statement, with its response increasingly and predominantly funded and managed by the government of Namibia. "The government has financed and procured all antiretroviral medicines and HIV test kits over the years, ensuring continued access to treatment and diagnostic services. US support has complemented Namibia's efforts through investments in HIV testing, counselling, community-based organisations and other health system interventions," the statement says. Among Namibia's key achievements is reaching 96-98-98, exceeding the UNAIDS 95-95-95 fast-track targets for HIV-AIDS testing, treatment and viral suppression. The country has also reached near-elimination levels of mother-to-child transmission, with 97% of infants born to mothers living with HIV-AIDS testing HIV-negative. More than 220 000 people are receiving life-saving antiretroviral therapy through Namibia's public health system, while the country has developed national health information systems, laboratory networks and supply chain mechanisms designed to sustain long-term epidemic control. The statement also highlights the development of a highly skilled Namibian workforce and technical experts who lead the design and management of the national HIV-AIDS programme. "Namibia's success story is a testament to what can be accomplished when nations work together with determination and shared purpose," US ambassador John Giordano was quoted as saying. The partnership between the two countries has lasted for more than 22 years. Read the original article on Namibian . U.S. HIV Cash Cuts - Thousands At Risk AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 90 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals , representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica . To address comments or complaints, please Contact us . AllAfrica is a voice of, by and about Africa - aggregating, producing and distributing 600 news and information items daily from over 90 African news organizations and our own reporters to an African and global public. We operate from Cape Town, Dakar, Abuja, Johannesburg, Nairobi and Washington DC. Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy . We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.