The 1st of December is commemorated as World AIDS Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and supporting those living with HIV and AIDS. 

Around the globe, communities came together to commemorate this important day. 

Events ranged from educational seminars to candlelight vigils, with individuals and organizations uniting in solidarity to honour those who had lost their lives due to AIDS while also celebrating the progress made in treatment and prevention.

In Namibia, local health organisations offered free testing and counselling services on a daily basis, a milestone in the fight against HIV and AIDS. The Ministry of Health noted that this is done to increase awareness and promote regular testing as an essential part of healthcare.

According to the latest reports, significant strides have been made in prevention and treatment. 

The number of new HIV diagnoses is declining, thanks in part to education and the availability of anti-retroviral therapy, as this gives many living with HIV a chance at a healthy life.

In 2022, the estimated prevalence of HIV among people aged 15-49 was 11%, with an estimated death rate of 2,800 the same year. Estimates place the number of AIDS orphans in Namibia at 52,000, while over 200,000 Namibians have registered for antiretroviral therapy.

Namibia has been awarded bronze-tier status by the World Health Organisation for its progress on HIV.