HIV is not a death sentence

HIV is not a death sentence Windhoek mayor Muesee Kazapua encouraged fellow men to visit health facilities for HIV testing and voluntary medical circumcision in order to reach the target of eradicating HIV by 2020.

Kazapua said this during the City of Windhoek''s observation of World Aids Day under the theme ''Hands up together to end HIV'' in the 8ste Laan informal settlement of Otjomuise on Saturday.

He said the City pledged to achieve the 90-90-90 targets by 2030, which means 90 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 90 percent of people who know their HIV status are on treatment and 90 percent of people on treatment have suppressed viral load.

“For us to achieve these targets there is an urgent need to roll out testing and treatment services to all the residents in Windhoek and the entire country,” he said.

Kazapua called for full commitment from all residents, constituency development committees and government to be champions in the war against HIV in the country.

Speaking at the same occasion, a 46-year-old HIV-positive woman, Saskia den Adel-Sheehama, encouraged everyone to go for HIV testing and know their HIV status.

Den Adel-Sheehama, who has been living with the virus for 11 years, motivated fellow HIV-positive people to accept their status and continue living the normal life like any other human being.

“HIV is not a death sentence. It is now a manageable disease by being tested on time and taking your medications regularly.”

Den Adel-Sheehama urged for an end to discrimination against HIV-positive people and for them to rather receive support where necessary.

She encouraged people to go for regular health check-ups, take medication on time and exercise in order to live longer.

Den Adel-Sheehama is married for four years. She said her partner is HIV negative and is aware of her HIV status.

NAMPA