WINDHOEK, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Namibia has achieved great success in controlling its HIV epidemic through prevention and treatment programs and is close to reach its 90:90:90 targets, according to the country's health ministry on Wednesday.
The 90:90:90 targets are jointly launched by United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and partners in 2014 with the aim to diagnose 90 percent of all HIV-positive people, provide antiretroviral therapy for 90 percent of those diagnosed, and achieve viral suppression for 90 percent of those treated by the year 2020.
The new results of the Namibia Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (NAMPHIA) show that the country is currently at 86:96:91, said the permanent secretary of health Petronella Masabane.
"This means that we have already reached two of the three 90:90:90 targets, and is very close to reaching the third. Also, incidence of new HIV infections in adults has dropped by half of the estimate from just five years ago," she added.
According to Masabane, the survey results provide the data to affirm the achievements seen at the country's clinics and health facilities, showing that the African nation is making real strides in controlling the epidemic.
NAMPHIA was a household survey conducted during June to Dec. 2017 in the country. The program offered participants HIV counseling and testing with return of results, and linkage to care and treatment for those who tested HIV-positive.
"This was the first time Namibia conducted such a widespread HIV survey among 0-64-year-old residents. Approximately 24,000 people participated," she added.
