Press Release

U.S. Government Supports the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare’s Child Welfare Division

October 19, 2007

The U.S. Embassy invites the media to the handover of computer equipment and materials in support of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare’s Child Welfare Division at 14h00 on Monday, October 22, 2007 in the Board Room of the Trust Centre Building, Independence Avenue, Windhoek.

The handover of a system design and technical specifications along with the required computer hardware and software marks the kick off for the National OVC Database, an essential tool that will allow the Ministry to register and document support needs for Namibian OVC and also coordinate resources.  This database will help the Government of Namibia, development partners, and Namibian civil society plan and respond more effectively to the needs of vulnerable children.

One of the US government’s main responsibilities under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is to support the national effort to scale-up care and support for Namibia’s growing number of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC).  PEPFAR has allocated over allocated over N$ 98 million for OVC care and support since 2004, with an additional N$ 60 million planned in 2008. 

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