Press Release

U.S. Government Contributes To Namibia’s Fight Against HIV/AIDS By Supporting Art

The U.S. Embassy in Namibia invites the media to the prize-giving ceremony of the All Schools HIV/AIDS Poster Competition 2007 at 10h30 on Friday, November 30, 2007, in the Civic Centre side hall in Nangolo Mbumba Drive, Walvis Bay.

This event forms part of Namibia’s national drive for the World AIDS Day commemorations on December 1.  Posters from the participating schools will be on display in the Civic Centre side hall from 10h00 on Thursday, November 29, 2007, where the judges will select the winning posters.

“This poster competition in schools is one of the many ways that we can promote awareness about HIV/AIDS in the community, and arm our youth with key prevention messages to reduce risky behaviors,” said Douglas Ball, Program Officer at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Windhoek.

The U.S. government is deeply committed to help Namibia win the fight against HIV/AIDS.  U.S. government assistance to Namibia for HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment has increased from US$24 million in 2004 to US$91 million in 2007 (N$637 million), and is expected to increase again next year.  The U.S. government funded the All Schools HIV/AIDS Poster Competition 2007 with a donation of US$10,000.

For further information, please contact Public Affairs Officer, Ray Castillo, at 0811280816, or Information Assistant, Roger Lyners, at 229801 [ext. 226].