Namibia has adopted the public health approach to scaling up antiretroviral therapy (ART) that involves the use of standardized and simplified treatment regimens. Drug resistance (DR) to antiretroviral (ARVs) medications is inevitable in populations on life-long ART. Namibia is one of the three countries in Africa (in addition to Botswana and Rwanda) that has reached 80 percent coverage for ART (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS – UNAIDS, 2011). Containing AMR is a key focus of the Systems for Improved Access to Pharmaceuticals and Services (SIAPS) Program in Namibia. SIAPS proposes to work with UNAM SOP, MoHSS, and other stakeholders to strengthen local initiatives and networks to help prevent the development and spread of resistance to ARV, anti-TB, and other antimicrobial agents.
