Health Ministry receives N$ 12M worth vehicle fleet

By Uaueza Kanguatjivi

THE United States (US) Embassy in Windhoek has donated 16 vehicles to the Health Ministry of Health valued at over N$ 12 million for the clinical mentorship programme.

The vehicles were bought courtesy of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), run by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Health Minister Dr. Kalumbi Shangula said since its inception in 2015, the clinical mentorship programme has intended to achieve HIV epidemic control by 2030 under UNAIDS Fast Track Targets.

Clinical Mentors, whom the CDC supports, provide expertise in various areas, including training, complex case consultation, problem-solving, diagnostic skills, decision-making, and quality assurance.

“In February 2020, the mentorship programme was expanded to Omaheke, Kunene, and Hardap regions. As a result, the US government officially handed over six additional mentorship vehicles.

The areas were chosen based on disease burden, HIV infection prevalence, HIV caseloads, and mortality rates available at the time. With the donation of vehicles, the Ministry recognises the massive decentralisation of HIV services in these regions,” he said.

Shangula underlined that these mentorship vehicles have a purpose other than transportation.

“These vehicles ensure that even the most difficult-to-reach places receive the same level of attention,” he said.

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