Month: December 2023

Acting senior health programme officer for the Directorate of Health and Social Services in the ||Kharas Region, Serolda Golley said at least 111 children between the ages of 0 and 19 in the Keetmanshoop district are living with HIV/AIDS.

Keetmanshoop district includes Keetmanshoop town, Bethanie, Berseba, Tses, Aroab and Koës and surrounding areas. The district consists of one hospital, two health centres and five clinics serving a population of over 38 000.

Golley revealed these statistics here on Friday during the commemoration of World AIDS Day organised by the Keetmanshoop Municipality under the theme ‘Awareness of stigma against children living with HIV/AIDS’.

She said out of the 111 children, 27 are 9 years and above and they know their HIV status and know why they are taking their medications.

Golley said the region has come a long way in reducing HIV among children, however the ministry faces challenges and needs assistance from parents, guardians, caregivers, life skills teachers, stakeholders,
hostel matrons and the community at large.

She further said such assistance from the community include reducing stigma and discrimination against children living with HIV, providing psychosocial support, involving life skills teachers at local schools, involving community leaders in management of children living with HIV and breaking cultural barriers.

‘The ball and responsibility fall in our hands to make our living environment safe for our children, free of stigma and discrimination, we as the health ministry cannot achieve this alone and need your support to attain a stigma-free world,’ she urged.

Chairperson of the management committee of the Keetmanshoop Municipality, Johannes Vries said knowledge is the most potent weapon in the battle against HIV/AIDS, adding that awareness empowers people to break down barriers, encourage early detection and ultimately save lives.

‘As a community, we must champion education, promote inclusivity, and offer unwavering support to those affected. Let us not forget the
power of compassion, in our pursuit of awareness, let empathy guide our actions, by doing so, we not only uplift individuals living with HIV/AIDS but also contribute to the creation of a society where judgment is replaced by understanding,’ said Vries.

He said everyone within the community has a role to play in the fight against HIV whether it’s through advocacy, education or support, while collective efforts can make a difference.

‘Together, let us embark on this journey towards a world where compassion prevails, stigma crumbles, and HIV/AIDS is no longer a barrier to a life of dignity and fulfilment,’ he said.

Source: Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA)

Rössing Uranium donated N.dollars 453 900 to the Omaruru District Watch group which was used to purchase a Toyota Land Cruiser V6, to be used in combating crime in the area.

Rössing Uranium Managing Director, Johan Coetzee at the donation handover in Swakopmund on Friday said the donation underscores Rössing Uranium’s unwavering commitment to supporting safety initiatives within the communities from which its employees hail.

‘This donation represents more than mere transportation for the team as it also symbolises our commitment to fostering secure and protected communities. Recognising the vital role played by the neighbourhood watch group in safeguarding these areas, this donation aims to enhance the team’s capabilities and effectiveness in ensuring the safety of the community of Omaruru.

He added that as a business, they recognise their responsibilities extends far beyond the boundaries of operations.

Coetzee further noted that the partnership between Rössing Uranium and the Omaruru District Watch exe
mplifies the power of collaboration in fostering a safer and more secure environment.

‘Rössing Uranium remains resolute in its belief that sustainable progress is fundamentally tied to community welfare. Through initiatives like this vehicle donation, we reaffirm our commitment to being an active contributor to community initiatives in areas which we operate and beyond,’ he concluded.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Omaruru District Watch chairman Alexander Steyn extended his heartfelt appreciation to Rössing Uranium for the significant contribution, recognising the impact it will have on their organisation in enhancing its ability to safeguard the community of Omaruru.

Source: Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA)

Gabriel Kanyanga of the Swapo Party has retained his position as Mayor of Rundu following internal local authority council elections on Friday.

Johanna Kakondo, also from Swapo, was re-elected as the deputy mayor.

The councillors were sworn in on Friday during the event officiated by Rundu magistrate, Selma Shiiga.

Swapo’s Engelbert Muyenga also retained his position as chairperson of the management committee, while Regina Nakare (Swapo) along with Independent Patriots for Change member, Rosalia Nanghuti, were elected as members of the management committee.

Swapo holds the most seats at the Rundu Town Council, accounting for four out of seven seats.

Rundu Urban Community Association technical chairperson, Nicolaus Ndumba, and Reginald Ndara from the Rundu Concerned Citizens Association were sworn in as ordinary councillors.

In his acceptance speech, Kanyanga said the Rundu Town Council has resolved to write off 100 per cent interest that has accumulated on consumers’ debt if they settle it within six m
onths starting 01 December 2023.

‘Together with NamWater, we have this year also drilled four boreholes, three at Kehemu and one at Ndama informal settlements for the purpose of minimising water shortage at the town,’ he said.

Source: Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA)

Whilst men and women suffer from similar difficulties regarding their mental health, there is a difference in the way they address them.

This is according to Namibian Police Force (NamPol) Oshana Regional Commander, Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria, during the third National Men’s Conference held at Ondangwa on Friday.

Sakaria stated that women tend to be more open in discussing their feelings and emotions, whereas men have a tendency to keep it to themselves and suffer in silence.

He indicated that with many men suffering in silence and experiencing feelings such as depression and anxiety, much more needs to be done for them to feel both encouraged and comfortable with opening up and taking that first step towards seeking help.

‘It is okay not to be okay. Masculinity comes from the cultural indoctrination of the male role – a belief system in some cultures where men are not expected to show emotions – men don’t cry,’ he said.

He added that it is also okay to cry as positive masculinity promotes eq
uality, respect and dignity of all people irrespective of their gender identities.

Furthermore, Sakaria stated that a total of 41 men committed suicide in the region this year compared to 43 last year, while two men were raped compared to three last year.

Source: Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA)