Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - June 9, 2005
Abel Hamutenya in Windhoek
The head of state said the HIV/AIDS pandemic had touched all communities in the country, and its deadly march continued to affect Namibians of all ages. "This means that our national response in facing this challenge should essentially involve Namibians of all ages, including the very young."
"It is indeed a sad reality that because of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, our children are now compelled to face and deal with issues that are, in fact, beyond their scope," President Pohamba told the more than 100 people gathered at the Namibia Red Cross head office for the launch.
He said due to the dynamics of the world we live in today, the challenge of HIV/AIDS demanded a multi-sectoral national approach.
"I am therefore, pleased to be part of this event marking yet another welcome and practical intervention by the Namibia Red Cross Society. We are gathered here today to witness the launching of booklets aimed at increasing awareness among caregivers, families and our fellow citizens who are infected by the virus," Pohamba added.
Dr Helena Ndume, chairperson of the Namibia Red Cross Society's Governing Board told the gathering that the Namibia Red Cross is dedicated to significantly contribute to the reduction of the spread of HIV infection through educating communities, and fighting stigma and discrimination and ensuring care, treatment and support for those infected and affected by the pandemic.
"We are also very glad to increase access of the anti-retroviral treatment for People Living With HIV and AIDS by supporting the efforts of our government through the Ministry of Health and Social Services in the roll out of ARV treatment through mobilising and preparing communities for treatment, promoting adherence through home care programmes, reducing stigma and discrimination and facilitating care and treatment, as well as providing psycho-social support," said Dr Ndume.
The 'HIV and AIDS Action Now' booklet is targeted at impacting positively on the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS and all those who are affected by the pandemic. Some 1.1 million copies of the booklet have been printed and are being distributed in all parts of the country. The booklet has been printed in five Namibian languages: English, Rukwangali, Silozi, Afrikaans and Oshiwambo.
The distribution of the booklet will be carried out in tandem with a nationwide marketing campaign in order to ensure maximum utilisation of the material. President Pohamba urged the media to publicise the booklet to ensure that as many people as possible knew about it.
In 2003 the Namibia Red Cross published a booklet titled Choose Life, which targeted and sought to raise awareness among children between the ages of 12 and 16 years.
"Many challenges are still ahead of us, especially with regards to the spreading of awareness among communities about the deadly and devastating dangers of HIV/AIDS on our country and her people. It is my hope that the publication we are launching here today will help to further drive the message home and to educate our people about living life positively after the infection.
Moreover, it is my hope that as the message spreads, the negative stigma regarding those who are infected will be shattered. In this manner, our fight against the pandemic would have passed an important milestone," said President Pohamba, making his first visit to the Namibia Red Cross head office since becoming head in March 2005.
Dr Ndume said this kind of activity was in line with the African Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Algiers plan of action, and the Red Cross's commitment to work towards supporting the achievements of the Millennium Development Goals.
The Namibian President commended the Namibia Red Cross for its efforts in addressing many important national issues from the floods, droughts and the HIV/Aids pandemic.
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