By Hileni Nembwaya
THE human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence rate in Oshana region has decreased over the past few years to 18.2 percent.
In 2002, the HIV prevalence rate in the region stood at 22 percent, while in 2012 it was recorded at 22.3 percent.
This data was revealed during the regional dialogue on wealth redistribution and poverty eradication held at Oshakati last week.
The infant mortality rate in Oshana region in 2006 and 2007 indicated a rate of 49 percent, while in 2013 it decreased to 37 percent and the fertility rate in 2006 was rated at 3.0 percent and in 2013 it stood at 2.7 percent.
The Deputy Minister of Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, Aino Kapewangolo told the participants that the journey to fight and eradicate poverty is still a challenge; however the ministry is currently seeking for innovative ideas that will help to alleviate poverty.
“We are here to seek for workable proposals; they should be enlisted because we do not want wishes only. The construction of the food bank in Windhoek and the regional branches is also at an advanced stage,” said Kapewangolo.
Many of the delegates that attended the national dialogue were concerned about the proposed basic income grants saying that they are afraid BIG might promote laziness more especially amongst the youth.
“Women should come up with interventions that will help them to earn a little income for themselves and community projects should also be enforced in their communities,” said one of the participants.
The participants also urged the ministry to find quick solutions to poor sanitation in the rural and informal settlements.
The youth of Oshana present during the national dialogue also stressed that is not equally redistributed and that there was need of fair redistribution of government funded projects.
The participants were also urged to harvest rain water and prepare themselves for natural disasters like flood and drought.
Clemens Kashuupulwa, the Governor of Oshana said stakeholders will need to devise goals and targets that bring about transformation towards a more sustainable, inclusive economy.
“All of us, in government and in civil societies, policymakers at national and regional levels, consumers and businesses need to recognise that there is a role for us to play in ensuring an inclusive Namibian society where no Namibian will be left out in accessing the resources of this country,” said Kashuupulwa.