NAMIBIA: Greater openness urged in AIDS battle

In an effort to tackle the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, Namibian Prime Minister Theo-Ben Gurirab has urged people to undergo voluntary counselling and testing.

Speaking at the launch of the sixth New Start Centre for HIV/AIDS testing and counselling, he described the pandemic as the greatest tragedy of the 21st century and a vicious enemy against life itself and human civilisation.

A local newspaper, The Namibian, quoted Gurirab as saying: "It is only through a strengthened and collective response that we can stop the spread of the killer disease, provide care to those infected and affected and eliminate the shameful stigmatisation of [people living with HIV/AIDS]."

Theme (s): Care/Treatment - PlusNews, Other,

[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]