Namibia
In Namibia EQUIP’s consortium partner, Anova Health Institute, identified the lack of access to PrEP for Key Populations, men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID), and female sex workers (FSW). On this basis EQUIP undertook a PrEP demonstration project specifically focused on treatment approaches that effectively respond to Key Population needs and support Test & Start services. Outcomes from the rapid assessment were discussed with the local USAID Mission and in-country implementing partner, The Society for Family Health (SFH)
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Our Consortium Partners
- Anova and Right to Care
Population
- 2,5 Million
- $10.27 Billion USD
GDP in 2016
HIV Statistics
More about the work we do in Namibia
Local partners requested EQUIP’s support focus to be on the integration of PrEP activities into SFH’s existing Key Population programme. The inclusion of direct Key Population activities would be required only to strengthen the planned PrEP project. An operational plan was approved with SFH to increase Key Population reach and demand for testing in order for key populations to support a PrEP demonstration project.
Activities of the operational plan included the diversification of existing case managers, IEC material development, and comprehensive Key Population training for relevant SFH healthcare workers. Three clinics were also identified and confirmed with SFH for the integration of PrEP services. PrEP training for SFH healthcare workers took place in June 2017 for the first-site, and the evaluation protocol for the PrEP project was finalised and reviewed by the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS) Technical Working Group in May 2017.
In May 2017, the first Key Population PrEP site located in Walvis Bay received approval to distribute ART. In June 2017 the first Key Population site was activated and the first Key Population PrEP clients were successfully initiated.
About Namibia
In the two decades since independence, Namibia has made tremendous strides in establishing a free, viable nation. The country has an independent judiciary, well-protected property rights and a fairly good labor market. It also boasts well-developed financial markets, as well as excellent infrastructure by regional standards. However, several formidable challenges constrain progress, including addressing one of the world’s worst HIV epidemics, one of the world’s highest levels of income disparity, a high unemployment rate, and a flawed education system.
The devastating effect of AIDS in Namibia demonstrates how challenging the fight to control the disease can be, even in a country with good governance structures and economic opportunity. Namibia’s population of 2.1 million is dispersed throughout the country, and access to remote populations difficult.
Namibia in the news
Namibia – HIV/AIDS
The devastating effect of AIDS in Namibia demonstrates how challenging the fight to control the disease can be, even in a country with good governance structures and economic opportunity. Namibia’s population of 2.1 million is [...]
PrEP is not a cure for HIV
WINDHOEK, (NAMPA) – The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSS) held a seminar on 25 July, 2017 to sensitise the media about the just-rolled out Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medication. PrEP, taken by individuals at “substantial [...]