Staff Reporter
THE U.S. Embassy in Namibia has called for a correction to an article published in the English daily The Namibian on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, titled “Thousands of HIV-AIDS workers to lose jobs.”
According to the Embassy, the report incorrectly stated that 4,000 U.S.-funded positions would end at the close of September 2025, citing the Ministry of Health and Social Services’ (MOHSS) 2022 staffing report. The Embassy stressed that the source is outdated and does not reflect the current situation of healthcare workers funded through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
“As of September 2025, there are 393 U.S.-funded healthcare worker positions seconded to MOHSS and serving in health facilities nationwide,” the Embassy clarified. “These staff received standard end-of-contract notices in August for annual contracts concluding on 29 September 2025, in line with Namibian labour requirements. In parallel, the Embassy is coordinating with MOHSS to issue new contracts for a portion of these personnel to continue providing critical, lifesaving HIV services.”
The Embassy further explained that, through PEPFAR, it also funds 853 staff employed by non-governmental organisation (NGO) partners. These workers support clinical services, community HIV counselling, data management, logistics, and transportation in coordination with MOHSS. Like the MOHSS staff, they received end-of-contract letters in August, but discussions are underway to renew contracts for some of these positions.
“The exact number of the 1,246 personnel who will retain their positions after September is currently being finalised by MOHSS and NGO partners, in line with PEPFAR funding levels and program priorities,” the statement said.
The Embassy therefore requested that The Namibian issue a correction to reflect these verified figures and avoid implying that “thousands” of workers will lose their jobs.
Photo: U.S. Embassy Namibia
