Dear Fellow Namibians and Global Supporters,

Namibia is facing a silent catastrophe. The withdrawal and reduction of US financial aid for HIV/AIDS programs, including PEPFAR funding, is already dismantling Namibia's lifeline against this epidemic. Despite assurances from former Health Minister Kalumbi Shangula in January 2025 that Namibia was prepared and unaffected, the reality is grim:

Programs like DAPP Namibia's TCE and Walvis Bay Corridor Group  have shut down in Keetmanshoop and Walvis Bay, respectively. Organizations such as Project Hope and SFH are facing operational disruptions and salary uncertainties.

On September 30, 2025, essential health workers—doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and assistants—from CDC Namibia in state health facilities will be laid off without compensation or support, leaving clinics understaffed and vulnerable populations at risk.

This isn't just a "pinch" – it's a devastating blow. Experts warn of up to 565,000 new HIV infections and millions of deaths across sub-Saharan Africa in the next decade, with Namibia's 230,000 people living with HIV/AIDS hit hardest. Key groups like MSM, transgender individuals, sex workers, and others will suffer without access to PrEP, condoms, and treatment. Rising unemployment, poverty, and even suicides could follow this chain reaction, crippling our economy and reversing years of progress—new infections have dropped 54% thanks to community programs, but that's now in jeopardy.

Former Minister Shangula's optimistic claims have proven false, creating false hope while the Ministry of Health had no contingency plans. Silence from President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the current Health Minister Dr. Esperance Luvindao, WHO, Africa CDC, and others is deafening. Lives are at stake—our families, our future.

We cannot let political decisions from abroad or local inaction destroy us. Join us in demanding immediate action!

Our Demands:

• Hold Former Minister Shangula Accountable: Investigate and address his misleading statements that downplayed the crisis.
• Urgent Intervention by President Nandi-Ndaitwah and Health Minister Luvindao: Convene stakeholders to develop and implement a concrete plan by September 30, 2025, to retain health workers, sustain ARV treatments, and ensure program continuity. Publicly inform the nation of these steps.
• Reallocate Funds for Health: Redirect excess defense budget allocations to HIV/AIDS programs if funding shortfalls arise, and secure Namibia's share of GAVI's N$1.5 billion donation for vaccine manufacturing in Africa.
• Global Support Mobilization: Partner with WHO, the private sector and international donors to minimize impacts and mobilize additional resources.

Sign now and share this petition widely to protect our health workers, patients, and nation. Every signature and share send a message: Namibia will not be abandoned! Together, we can prevent needless suffering and deaths.

In the name of our Constitution and humanity—act now!

Windhoek, Namibia