In the most remote villages of northern Namibia, at the southwestern tip of Africa, young people riding bicycles with red tee-shirts and black berets have become a familiar sight. They were recruited to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS in their own communities, encouraging their fellow villagers to protect themselves, to get tested and to learn about available treatment.
This program, Total Control of the Epidemic (TCE), addresses one of Namibia's most serious challenges in fighting HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis: the country's geography. After Mongolia, it is the world's least densely populated country, with two million people scattered across a territory more than three times the size of the UK. The large distances from villages to the nearest hospital make it almost impossible for doctors to follow up with patients. By relying on the community to support itself with programs like TCE, the medical outreach of hospitals and clinics is extended and assistance filters through to everyone in remote communities. Learn more.
What bolsters Namibia's success in combating AIDS is treatment. It is one of the few countries in Africa where antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) are free to everybody. Thanks to a Global Fund grant, the national target of reaching 30,000 people by 2008 was achieved in 2006. Nonetheless, remote areas remain difficult to access and the government is spreading the word to reach out to more than 10,000 additional people living with HIV who could benefit from the free treatment.
Peneyambeko is one of them. This young woman's days were counted when she recently heard about available treatment against HIV. She managed to travel to the hospital to get the free drugs. Today, Peneyambeko is back on her feet thanks to this program and the critical support of her aunt. Like thousands of other "AIDS supervisors", Julia received basic training in home-based care to accompany her niece on her road to recovery. She provides moral support, and makes sure that Peneyambeko eats well and takes her pills every day. Learn more. |
