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"Be Strong—Get Tested" Campaign Launched in Namibia

On April 27 the "Be Strong—Get Tested" Male Engagement Campaign launched, encouraging Namibian men to get tested for HIV. IntraHealth and NawaLife Trust, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Services and with support from the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, collaborated on this mass media campaign.

Petrina Haingura, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, read a statement from President Hifikepunye Pohamba noting the importance of HIV testing and exhorting his countrymen to learn their health status. “The ‘Be Strong—Get Tested’ campaign was designed as a call to action for all of our men, in every region, in every town, village and community to make your HIV testing plan and get it done. Do this for yourself, your family and your nation,” wrote President Pohamba.

According to the latest Demographic Health Survey only 27% of men surveyed between 20 and 24 years of age had been tested for HIV, while 60% of their female counterparts had been tested. IntraHealth is leading the five-year, USAID-funded Namibia HIV Prevention, Care, and Support Program to build HIV prevention, testing, care, and treatment capacity.