Pictured above: Together we can continue working with San communities in Namibia

Dear John,

We have been working with communities of San people in Namibia since 1999. Today, as we look at the impact of reductions in funding for 'international development' and ways we can come together to keep people healthy and safe, we hear from our team in Namibia.

Pieter Steenkamp, our Country Director in Namibia, tells us: "We had planned to start a new initiative with the San population in Tsumkwe and Omaheke Regions this year, addressing the HIV epidemic in those communities. This initiative would have involved a combination of tailored HIV awareness-raising and stigma reduction interventions, HIV testing and counselling, empowerment around health rights, workforce training, decentralized drug distribution and supply of free commodities.

Unfortunately, earlier this year the main funder for this initiative informed us that, due to a global stop work order from the US Government, we will not be able to proceed with this project."

Pictured above: Many families in Namibia depend on NGOs for key health services

Pieter explains further: "The USAID freeze will have devastating consequences for HIV patients in Namibia. Hundreds of employees of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have been sent home and now face an uncertain future. NGOs are major contributors to the delivery of health care in Namibia.

Most NGOs receive funding from foreign donors or sponsors with very little domestic funding available. The shortage and sometimes absence of foreign funding is a cause for concern, given its potential to undermine health outcomes."

As we continue working with communities in Namibia and beyond, donors like you enable us to engage in long term initiatives to create sustainable change.

In Pieter's words: "Now more than ever, on behalf of all the communities we work alongside, I’d like to thank you for your committed support."

Whether starting a regular donation, or increasing the amount that you donate regularly, please give whatever you can at this critical time.

Warm regards,

Siaffa Bunduka,

Supporter Engagement Manager

PS If you already give a regular donation and would like to increase the amount that you contribute, please respond directly to this email!