The coordinator for the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has reminded those in the fight against HIV of the importance of compassion, empathy, and solidarity in the face of adversity.

Shero Amoroso emphasised the need to identify workable ways that the response against the virus can sustain the future with smart partnerships, community involvement, and political will.

Amoroso was speaking at the World Aids Day commemoration at Mariental on Friday.

Amoroso also used the platform to congratulate the Namibian government, which established over 2,500 Community Adherence Groups (CAGs).

Community Adherence Groups provide an important platform for support and encouragement among people who are living with HIV.

"I also want to highlight the role of community leadership in the fight against HIV through initiatives and community-led monitoring, which is conducted by local civil society organisations and community-based organisations, networks of people, key populations, and other effective groups. They go into communities to gather information from members on their experiences when accessing services at their local health centers."

The PEPFAR coordinator further pointed out that the U.S. government and its Namibian counterpart aim to overcome barriers that will ensure that people living with HIV are provided with services in a respectful, productive, and collaborative manner.

She also highlighted that a milestone worth celebrating is the launch of social contracting for health services by the Namibian government.

The policy will enable the government to contract with civil society organisations to provide essential health services in line with its priorities.

PEPFAR will continue to work closely with the Namibian government and the line ministry to further strengthen the partnership between the two governments and civil society organisations by providing a framework to deliver critical and sustainable health services.