Aids poses huge threat to Namibian economy

ED RICHARDSON ARGUABLY THE biggest threat to the Namibian economy is HIV/Aids. AIDS was first recorded in the country in 1986 when four people were diagnosed HIV positive. A 1998 Namibian Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) HIV survey found that the prevalence of AIDS was rising faster in Namibia than in any other country in Africa. The national HIV prevalence rate ranges from nine to 40%, according to UNAIDS statistics. The highest prevalence – 40% – is found in the Caprivi district. In 2005, it was estimated that 210 000 Namibians between the ages of 15 and 49 were HIV positive, and there were around 111 000 aids orphans. That is out of a population of some two million. The cost of treating those suffering from HIV/Aids is swallowing up any growth in the gross domestic product of Namibia, contributing to stagnation of the local economy. The situation is made worse by loss of skills and workers in the key mining industry.