More than 30 teenagers have gathered at the Andara District Hospital in Namibia’s rural Kavango East region. Here, they can socialize and share their experiences around antiretroviral medications, self-esteem, mental health, teenage pregnancies, abuse and other issues many HIV-positive teens have on their minds.
the United States Ambassador to Namibia, Lisa Johnson, together with representatives of the Namibian Ministry of Health and Social Services, celebrated the successful treatment of three young patients suffering from extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) at the Katutura Intermediate Hospital’s TB Clinic in the capital, Windhoek.
In the 27 years since its independence, Namibia has made tremendous strides in establishing a democratic, viable nation. The country has a free press, an independent judiciary, well-protected property rights, and a fairly good labor market. Namibia also boasts well-developed financial markets and excellent infrastructure by regional standards. However, several formidable challenges constrain progress. Namibia has one of the world’s worst HIV epidemics, high levels of income disparity, a high unemployment rate, and a struggling economy.
Standing on the border of Namibia and Angola, on one side, signs in English welcome you to Namibia. On the other, signs in Portuguese issue warm greetings to Angola. People, animals, motorcycles and vehicles freely pass back and forth across the two countries.
I feel privileged to be here this morning, just two days before World Tuberculosis Day on March 24th. The Okuryangava Clinic is a crucial health site in our combined effort alongside the Namibian government to fight TB and HIV. Since 2015, with the support of the U.S. government through PEPFAR and USAID, some 350 patients have accessed TB treatment and referral services to HIV care, right here at this TB-Directly Observed Treatment center. Some of those patients are here today. Please join me in a round of applause to recognize their efforts and commitment to beating this disease.
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Last updated: April 09, 2018
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