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Namibia
The Joint Team in Namibia continued to consistently invest in the national HIV response and implementation of community-led programmes and monitoring.
End-term reviews of the National Strategic Framework (NSF) for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (NSF 2017/18-2022/23) were completed and the development of the new NSF 2023/24-2027/28 initiated prioritizing funds for social contracting. Other strategic documents, including the voluntary medical male circumcision strategic plan, national gender and social protection policies, and the social contracting for health policy were finalized to guide the national HIV response and mobilization of resources from the Global Fund Grant Cycle (GC7) and the PEPFAR Country Operating Plan 2023 (UNICEF, UNFPA, UNESCO, WHO, UNAIDS Secretariat).
In partnership with the Global Fund and PEPFAR, the Joint Team strengthened community-based programmes by implementing a consensus community-led monitoring mechanism (CLM). This included technical assistance to the Ministry of Health and Social Services to finalize a multi-year forecasting and quantification of HIV and sexual and reproductive health commodities which led to a better prediction and timely procurement of these commodities, including condoms. As a result, around 100 healthcare providers and over 2000 individuals were reached in 2022. Key findings from the CLM mechanism were also used to avert potential stockouts of medicines and commodities in health facilities. Under the Partnership to Accelerate COVID-19 Testing in Africa (PACT) project the Joint Team further helped to mobilize resources for community-led monitoring of HIV services. The additional funding of USD 100 000 enabled the Joint Team to extend the project for another six months in three high HIV and COVID-19 burden regions (UNAIDS Secretariat).
The HIV & COVID-19 Community Engagement Strategy and plan (2022-2026) was developed and implemented, enhancing the capacity and coordination of health-focused civil society organizations to effectively engage with the Government, private sector and development partners and ultimately improve health and social outcomes for their target communities (UNAIDS Secretariat).
As a result of technical and financial assistance, early and unintended pregnancy and condom campaigns were implemented, with about 90 000 male condoms distributed and 550 teachers and healthcare providers trained on the delivery of comprehensive sexuality education and sexual and reproductive health in five regions. Community dialogues were also held with parents and community leaders, thereby helping adolescents and young people, including 28 588 young people living with HIV and people with disabilities to improve their knowledge and skills to prevent early and unintended pregnancies, new HIV infections, and gender-based violence (UNICEF, UNFPA, UNESCO, UNAIDS Secretariat).