Zambezi Region has the lowest number of people who know their HIV status.

The region's governor Lawrence Sampofu said this is a matter of grave concern.

Sampofu made the remarks in a speech read on his behalf at the commemoration of the World AIDS Day held at Makanga Village.

Interventions by the Ministry of Health and Social Services is said to have made notable impact.

93 percent of persons with HIV in Namibia have been tested and know their status, with 95 percent on treatment and 98 percent of that virally suppressed.

He advised that there is much to be done as a region, among this a need to reduce stigma and encourage everyone, especially men, to know their status and engage in care once tested positive.

The global theme for this year was "take the right path," which he said is a call to action to protect human rights towards achieving the collective goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

Sampofu said that Namibia's alignment to the theme "Prioritising Mental Wellness" is key as it aims to focus on mental health and wellness as part and parcel of providing health care overall, including HIV/AIDS programing interventions.