Let the community lead.
Tonata PLHIV Support Network
Who We Are
Tonata PLHIV Support Network is a network of people living with and affected by HIV, founded in 2008. ‘Tonata,' meaning “Open Your Eyes” in Oshiwambo, aims to ensure that civil society organizations, community groups, and networks are supported to better organize themselves for strengthening sustainable systems for health.
Our mission is to provide and maintain a network of support groups and advocate for people living with and affected by HIV
A Message from Our Executive Director
We are at a pivotal moment in Namibia’s HIV response — one that calls for honesty, innovation, and bold collective action.
Our network of people living with HIV may not hold all the answers, but our lived experiences are powerful evidence of what truly works—and what does not. With over 29,000 PLHIV served in the network, our community-led efforts are not just support systems—they are lifelines. From peer-led ART adherence groups to stigma reduction and treatment literacy, we have continued to deliver services even in the face of significant funding cuts.
Namibia’s strides toward the 95-95-95 goals are among the best in sub-Saharan Africa, yet our progress remains fragile. The withdrawal of critical funding places the future of community-based programs at risk. Behind every funding decision is a life—a mother, a youth, a peer educator—whose future depends on continued support.
We are reminded every day that our greatest strength lies in community. When people living with HIV lead the response, health outcomes improve, trust deepens, and systems become more resilient and cost-effective. But to sustain this impact, we need more than recognition—we need resources. We urgently call for sustained, flexible, and predictable funding to preserve and expand community-led HIV responses. We must invest in equity, justice, and empowerment—especially for women, youth, and key populations.
This is more than a public health effort. It is a movement grounded in dignity, rights, and solidarity. Tonata stands ready to partner with all who share our vision—a future where no one is left behind, and where health and justice are not privileges, but realities for all.
What We Do
01.
— We Build & Strengthen Community Systems
Robust community systems play a critical role in supporting community engagement in health services and promoting community mobilization and demand creation.
02.
— We Advocate for Legal & Policy Reform
Our network serves as a bridge between the community and the government, establishing platforms that place community members in decision-making positions. Drawing on insights from our support groups and forums, community mobilizations, and dialogues with faith-based/traditional authorities, we influence HIV policies at local and national levels.
03.
— We Provide Education
Our field team delivers key health education on HIV/AIDS, stigma and discrimination, tuberculosis, cervical cancer, alcohol abuse, positive living, gender-based violence, and economic strengthening.
04.
— We Empower Economically
We promote income-generating activities within our support groups through facilitating trainings with stakeholders.
05.
— We Fight Stigma & Discrimination
Our goal is to reduce the human rights-related barriers to health services through improved community outreach and sustained demand creation.
06.
— We Promote Gender Equality
We prioritize the formation of support groups for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) to promote equal rights of—and improve health outcomes for—AGYW who are living with HIV, identify as LGBT, or have disabilities.
Impact Stories
This pastor attended a training held by Tonata for Faith-Based Leaders in Outapi.
“It is true that we (some pastors) are not aware of health-related information and are often not involved. Tonata came at the right time and should offer more trainings so we can better support our clients.”
This survivor of gender-based violence was reached by a Tonata mobilizer. After receiving counseling, she joined a support group and secured housing for herself and her children.
“I can’t thank Tonata enough for what they did for me. To me the community field mobilizer is an angel sent to secure my life and my kids.”