By: Selma Taapopi
Speaking at the World AIDS Day commemoration in Otjiwarongo, Otjozondjupa Region, health and social services minister, Dr. Esperance Luvindao, said Namibia must fully embrace scientific progress if it is to achieve its goal of ending AIDS by 2030.
She noted that the country is on the verge of major advances in HIV prevention and treatment.
The treatment under consideration is Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable administered only twice a year.
According to the minister, this option has the potential to greatly improve adherence and strengthen prevention efforts.
She cautioned, however, that groundbreaking innovations often come with significant costs. At present, the price of Lenacapavir remains too high for immediate adoption in the public health system.
“But the Government is not sitting idle. We have embarked on regulatory approval processes to ensure this drug can enter the Namibian market. We want to ensure that those who can afford it in the private sector are not denied access to life-saving innovation. But let me be clear: Our ultimate goal is equity. We will advocate on the global stage and negotiate tirelessly to bring the price down, ensuring that the people who need this drug the most – our vulnerable and young populations – can eventually access it in our public health facilities,” Dr. Luvindao remarked.
She added that Namibia has already defied global expectations. Namibia was once considered unlikely to meet the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, however the country has surpassed them.
Namibia now reports that 96% of people living with HIV are aware of their status, 98% of those who know their status are receiving treatment, and 98% of individuals on treatment are virally suppressed.
This year’s World AIDS Day commemoration was observed under the global theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” and locally under the theme “Sustaining the HIV Response, Ending Stigma, and Building Resilient Communities.”
