Young people and adolescents with HIV are urged to suppress their viral load by adhering to treatment while those who do not know their status should start to realise the benefits of knowing where they stand.
These were the sentiments of UNICEF's Country Representative, Rachel Odede who was speaking at the Undetectable=Untransmittable campaign organised by Young empowerment Group in the capital.
Namibia has come a long way in fighting against HIV/AIDS and has improved the quality of HIV prevention services.
The country is gradually on a route to battle the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
"Latest estimates from the MHSS shows that 86.0% of person living with HIV, aged 15-64 years know their HIV status and of these 96.4% are on ARV and 91.3% of these are virally suppressed and no longer spreading HIV."
HIV treatment and care services, which include testing, prevention, PEP, PrEP, VMMC and treatment are accessible at all health facilities countrywide.
Deputy Minister of Health and Social Service, Dr Utjiua Muinjangue says, people need to be reminded that Anti-retroviral medicines do not cure HIV infection or remove the virus from the body, but, they can stop the virus from multiplying.
"The U=U sensitization campaign is intended for all adolescents and young people, those living with HIV and those that are HIV negative. If adolescents and young people LWH know that their viral load is suppressed and that they can't transmit the virus through sex, then they will be encouraged to remain on treatment."
In many communities, many young people with HIV and who are on treatment have discontinued their medication due to stigma and discrimination. Behaviour change is still key in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The Befree campaign alongside the Ombetja Yehinga organization and Young Empowerment group have implemented their strategic approach on interventions to lessen the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Head of Programs at One Economy Foundation, Kaarina Iita said every conversation that they have has HIV components in it.
The two day conference that brought together youth organizations will generate momentum to ensure that their voices are heard and build on innovative thinking solutions for the promotion of the U=U campaign.