On 1 February 2016 Ambassador Christian Schlaga and the Director of OYO Philippe Talavera signed a project agreement whereby the German Embassy will support the Namibian non-governmental organisation OYO to the tune of 761.476 N$ (approx. 44.000 EUR).

With an infection rate of 16% (2014, UNAids) Namibia is one of the countries most affected by HIV worldwide. Prisons are particularly affected since the distribution of condoms is prohibited. In addition, inmates returning to their families after the end of their sentence put their family members at risk.

Among other things, OYO is planning a dance theatre piece, workshops with inmates and interviews with current and former prisoners and wardens. In combination with HIV tests for the inmates, OYO is hoping to raise awareness on the topic among the inmates, the prison directorate and politicians as well as provide impulses for a change of strategy with regards to the issue.

The aim of the project is to compile data on the number of HIV infections in prisons via intensive research. This can be used to convince the Namibian Parliament that it needs to initiate effective measures in order to prevent HIV infections in Namibian correctional facilities.