Namibia urges for boost in domestic funding against HIV/AIDS

WINDHOEK, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) — Namibia has called for increased domestic funding and better alignment of health programs to sustain HIV/AIDS prevention efforts amid economic challenges and decreased international support.
Speaking at the opening of the Second Regional Technical Network Meeting on HIV and Health Resource Optimization in Windhoek, the Namibian capital, Monday, Minister of Health and Social Services Kalumbi Shangula stressed that challenges persist, particularly due to reduced international funding and the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We must focus on greater domestic resource mobilization to underpin our response efforts,” he said, stressing stronger national financial support and more effective alignment of health programs to continue the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Shangula said countries must share experiences and strategies for improving national funding to support their health systems and HIV responses effectively.
“The formation of this Regional Technical Network underscores the fact that the challenges we face in controlling the HIV/AIDS epidemic and in strengthening our health systems are not confined to the border of any single country in the region,” he said, emphasizing the goal to address the ongoing challenges and ensure that progress made in combating HIV/AIDS is not reversed.
The primary focus of the weeklong meeting, attended by officials of countries including Botswana, Lesotho, Zambia, South Africa, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, as well as representatives from various health organizations and development partners, is to discuss and develop strategies to optimize resources and improve the efficiency of health programs. ■