Some 96% of the Kavango East region’s residents know their HIV status, while 97% are on treatment and 96% of those on treatment are virally suppressed.
These statistics are contained in the Kavango East Regional Development Report for the 2025/26 financial year.
Presenting the report to the National Council on Tuesday, Mukwe constituency councillor and member of the National Council Augusta Katembo said the results put the region close to achieving the first of the 95-95-95 Joint United Nations Programme on HIV-AIDS targets.
The targets aim for 95% of people living with HIV to know their status, 95% of those diagnosed to be on treatment, and 95% of people on treatment achieving viral suppression.
The report says the Kavango East region has exceeded the second and third targets, while the proportion of people who know their HIV status remains one percentage point below the first target.
“The figures indicate progress in HIV testing and treatment services across the region,” Katembo said.
The region also recorded progress in tuberculosis treatment, recording a success rate of 91% during the reported period.
It also saw a fatality rate of malaria cases at 0.08%.
Katembo attributed this to early diagnosis and treatment, adding it saves lives.
She said a new clinic at Mabushe at Takawasa is nearing completion and is awaiting commissioning.
“Renovations at Baramasoni, Ndama, Sauyemwa, Kaisosi, and Nkarapamwe clinics are completed.
“The region also received one ambulance, one double-cab bakkie, and one outreach vehicle,” she said.
Despite the progress, Katembo said the health system continues to face challenges, including limited space at Rundu Intermediate Hospital, staff shortages and an ageing vehicle fleet.
She said the region does not have a mental hospital, while the Big Karukuvisa mobile clinic has a shortage of nurses.
