Displaying items by tag: HIV and hepatitis

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced that Namibia has become the first African nation, and the first high-burden country worldwide, to nearly eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and hepatitis B. This achievement is especially notable because Namibia hosts over 200,000 people living with HIV, with the disease disproportionately affecting women. Despite these challenges, the country has achieved nearly universal HIV testing for pregnant women and a robust treatment system, which have reduced transmission by 70% in twenty years. In 2022, only 4% of newborns from HIV-positive mothers contracted the virus, while nearly 80% received a timely hepatitis B vaccine. The WHO has awarded Namibia a ‘silver tier’ for its hepatitis B efforts and a ‘bronze tier’ for HIV reduction. These accomplishments underscore the critical impact of committed leadership and effective public health strategies.