First Gentlemen Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah has said Namibia’s departed second First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba was the mastermind and driving force behind the country’s success in fighting the HIV/AIDS pandemic, which has today allowed the country to surpass the UN’s global 95-95-95 HIV/AIDS targets.
Currently, Namibia is one of only 11 countries worldwide that have not only achieved but surpassed the UN’s global target of 95-95-95 for those living with HIV/AIDS.
Namibia has reached an extraordinary 97-98-98 achievement in its fight against the virus, with 97% of people living with HIV in Namibia aware of their status, and 98% of those diagnosed are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and a commendable 98% of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression, meaning the virus is undetectable and untransmittable.
This achievement, Ndaitwah said, is all thanks to Pohamba’s dedication, devotion and selfless service to the Namibian people, especially to those living on the fringes of the country’s health system.
“Her dedication to community development and the wellbeing of our people remains a meaningful part of our nation’s history. She dedicated her life to maternal and child healthcare, HIV/AIDS awareness, women’s empowerment and community welfare. Her commitment to serving communities, uplifting women and children, and supporting vulnerable families reminds us that leadership is ultimately measured by the lives we touch and the difference we make in the lives of others,” said Ndaitwah.
He added: “The work we undertake today builds upon these contributions, carrying forward the enduring responsibility to strengthen families, empower communities and promote the wellbeing of all Namibians. Madam Pohamba’s legacy reminds us that service to humanity is a responsibility that transcends titles and generations. May her life of service continue to inspire us to lead with compassion, humility and purpose.”
The late Pohamba’s tenure as First Lady between 2005 to 2015 served as a major turning point in the country’s fight against HIV/AIDS, which saw Namibia deploying a highly coordinated domestic response, rise in the commitment of healthcare and community workers, and strategic international collaborations.
These achievements marked the beginning of huge turnaround for Namibia, which was historically among the hardest-hit nations both in Africa and globally.
Today, more than 71% of Namibia’s HIV care and support services, including the procurement of anti-retroviral drugs, are now fully funded through internal domestic resources by government and no longer depended on donor funds.
Namibia’s robust national health information systems and optimised medical supply chains are expected to further shoulder the long-term management of epidemic control independently as the country moves towards the ultimate goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Mother figure
Meanwhile, former Cabinet minister Helmut Angula also paid tribute to Pohamba, saying not only has the country lost a pillar of strength, but also someone who was a mother figure to most Namibians.
“We have lost a dedicated mother, a loving wife, a committed public servant, and a comrade whose life was defined by humility, hard work, generosity, and unwavering sense of duty,” said Angula.
He also extended condolences to her husband, Namibia’s second President, Hifikepunye Pohamba, during a prayer session held at the Pohamba family residence in Windhoek on Monday.
He said Pohamba’s contribution to the country extended beyond her responsibilities as First Lady, highlighting her compassion and care for others during Namibia’s liberation struggle.
He recalled that during the difficult years of exile, when many Namibians endured hardships in refugee and liberation camps, she provided maternal care to children and comrades who needed support.
“Her maternal love extended far beyond her own children,” Angula said, adding that she offered kindness and guidance at a time when life was often characterised by sacrifice, deprivation and uncertainty.
Angula, a former Minister of Works and Transport, also highlighted Pohamba’s professional background as a nurse and midwife.
“Her professional calling was more than a career. It was an expression of a commitment to preserving life, caring for the vulnerable, and bringing hope to those in need,” he said, adding that her commitment to caring for others continued when she became First Lady.
Addressing the bereaved former president, Angula acknowledged the pain of losing a lifelong companion with whom he had shared the liberation struggle, sacrifices and responsibilities of life.
“The loss of a partner with whom one has shared the struggle, sacrifices, joys, and responsibility of life is a sorrow which words can never fully provide comfort,” he said. Pohamba died in Windhoek on Saturday at the age of 78.
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