The Ministry of Health and Social Services says the rise in pregnancy and early marriage as well as HIV infections among adolescent girls is a cause for concern.
The rate of teenage pregnancies nationally stands at 14.95%, translating to more than 15 thousand pregnancies per year.
Despite Namibia having made considerable efforts to control the spread of HIV, the low decrease in new infection rates and deaths associated with an advanced pandemic is still a major concern.
Namibia has a widespread HIV epidemic, with an estimated prevalence of 12% in adults.
The Omaheke Region to date has 3800 HIV-positive people.
Speaking during a Regional Aids Coordinating Committee workshop at Gobabis, the Regional HIV Clinical Mentor, Dr Francois Lumbala, says through coordination and stakeholders' engagement, the region can greatly reduce HIV/AIDS among communities.
Key populations who are at high risk of contracting HIV, such as men who have sex with men, sex workers, and transgender individuals, continue to face stigma and discrimination, making it hard for them to access health services.
