Namibia on Wednesday (December 01) joined the rest of the world in observing the World AIDS Day under the theme 'Universal Access and Human Rights'.  Namibia's President Hifikepunye Pohamba who officiated at the commemoration said the occasion is an important one to raise awareness and to evaluate the progress made as well as the setbacks encountered in the fight against the HIV and AIDS pandemic.

'As stated in our National HIV and AIDS Policy of 2007, universal access to services and the promotion of human rights for all people infected or affected, are important pillars of our National HIV and AIDS response,' Pohamba said.

 In the context of the need for stronger and better prevention measures, Namibia has adapted the global World AIDS Day theme to fit in with its specific focus on 'Addressing Stigma and Discrimination to Prevent New Infections'.  This is because the stigma targeted at people at people infected and affected by HIV has been recognised as the single greater barrier  to curbing the spread of the pandemic Pohamba stated.  Where the tendencies of stigma exist they can result in the individuals being reluctant to find out about their HIV status. Moreover, he said, those who know that they are infected would be reluctant to disclose their diagnosis to their partners and take the needed action to seek treatment.  'However, I believe that solutions can be found through information sharing and creation of awareness about the pandemic because, stigma and discrimination are mainly driven by fear and lack of knowledge about HIV and AIDS,' Pohamba stressed.

 By becoming more knowledgeable about HIV and confronting fears, it is possible to end stigma, promote individual human rights and prevent new infections.

 Pohamba appealed to the insurance industry to develop products that can enable more people, including those infected with HIV to get access to insurance cover and thereby provide better financial security to their families. He said the advances of anti-retro viral treatment have made it possible for infected people to live longer and more productive lives.

 He also encourage the youth to actively fight against stigma and discrimination as a way of preventing new infections through knowledge. 'My message to our nation and to our development cooperation partners today is, let us do away with all forms of stigma and discrimination. Let us support all those who are infected and affected by the pandemic to live productive lives and to contribute to the socio-economic development of our nation,' Pohamba stressed.