WINDHOEK, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's President Hage Geingob on Thursday said HIV/AIDS remains a public health issue that continues to rob the country of the much-needed human capital and compromises socioeconomic progress.
In his speech commemorating World AIDS Day, Geingob said Namibia must increase efforts to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. "The scars of HIV/AIDS are visible and felt in our homes and communities. Our biggest enemy in the fight against HIV/AIDS is discrimination and stigma. Those infected with the virus are stigmatized by community members, a practice that compromises the treatment and support services offered by the Government."
To achieve the goal of eliminating AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, Geingob said HIV prevention efforts must be strengthened to complement the ongoing rollout of HIV treatment and counseling services to more communities.
"As we commemorate World AIDS Day, let us be vigilant as we work towards an HIV-free nation. I am confident that, together, we will win," he said.
Namibia has made great strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS by reaching the UNAIDS '90-90-90' targets. ■