Oshana Health Director Johanna Haimene said the region has recorded significant progress in the number of people accessing HIV treatment, whose number currently stands at over 20,000.

23,245 people are currently on HIV treatment, contributing to improved health outcomes and reduced transmission rates.

In a speech delivered on her behalf during the region's commemoration of World AIDS Day on Friday, Haimene said due to the availability of treatment, people with HIV are now able to live longer, healthier and more productive lives.

Haimene emphasised the importance of testing and encouraged people to make use of testing services to know their status.
She informed those in attendance that there is no shame in testing, nor in being HIV positive.

The founder of the All Thighs Nursing Society, Martha Frans, said the government must continue to work together with non-governmental organisations (NGO), as ending HIV requires unity.
This year's World AIDS Day was commemorated under the theme "Sustaining the HIV Response, Ending Stigma and Building Resilient Communities."