Gurirab joined about 150 HIV-positive people, caregivers and HIV-AIDS workers in a 'March of Hope' from the Namibian Red Cross offices in Katutura to Parliament Gardens in central Windhoek on Saturday.

On a day some described as historic, the Prime Minister, accompanied by his wife Joan Guriras, Higher Education Minister Nahas Angula, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Mose Tjitendero, and other Government officials joined the marchers from all corners of the country in the event co-ordinated by Lironga Eparu, the organisation for people living with HIV-AIDS.

In his remarks, Gurirab stressed it was important to hear directly from those affected by and infected with HIV.

"It is a wonderful opportunity, for us the lawmakers, to listen to the testimonials by the real people living with the real struggle," he told the marchers.

The Prime Minister said he was humbled by the generosity of spirit and determination of those living with the virus to put others at ease.

If they could live with this threat, the government wanted to be committed partners helping them to live as comfortable and meaningful a life as possible.

Responding to a challenge from Lironga Eparu national co-ordinator Emma Tuahepa for legislation on HIV-AIDS, Gurirab said lawmakers would consider the request.

"I accept the challenge and we will reflect on it. If it is doable we will give it a chance," he added.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to Tuahepa for the courageous step in speaking publicly about her HIV status years ago, which helped start demystify the condition and helped towards changing perceptions towards the condition.

HIV-positive speakers from different corners of the country told of their fears and the difficulties they encountered on first discovering their status.

With the help of support organisations, the right information, counselling and a positive and healthy lifestyle, things are much different now.

Speakers also thanked Government for making available anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs) to treat those living with HIV.

"Get to know your status. Get tested and start to build your life," was one speaker's advice.

In her remarks, Tuahepa described how she cried with fear when first diagnosed HIV positive.

"Today I feel emotional - (I am) excited and happy because of this gathering.

"We have come a long way but women are not appreciated in the fight against HIV," she said, calling on men to help work against the disease.

Commending the introduction of ARVs, she said the medication had still not reached everybody who needed it and that there were still problems of access to the medication because of poverty.

Some people were unable to pay the N$10 required nor could they afford transport costs to the treatment sites.

She called for more discussion and dialogue "then things will get better for us".

"This is a good day for us people living with HIV-AIDS," she said thanking the Prime Minister.

AIDS campaigner David Lush described how he felt very alone as an HIV-positive person on World AIDS Day in 1990.

"Imagine the thrill today ... several leaders of the country came along and joined us and that is incredibly significant," he said.

In his speech he called for more information and consultation with those providing the care, especially about treatment.

He accused hospitals and clinics around Namibia of discriminating against people with HIV-AIDS and called for free treatment.

The Legal Assistance Centre's AIDS Law Unit (ALU) launched a guide to HIV treatment at the same occasion.

Prime Minister Gurirab also paid tribute to the ALU's co-ordinator, lawyer Michaela Clayton, for her contribution over the years in the struggle against HIV-AIDS.

Gurirab said he found Saturday's 'Walk of Hope' "one of the most important events of this year".

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