Lesotho

HIV/AIDS in Lesotho

• 23.6% Estimated Prevalence
  (Age 15–49)
• 14,000 Estimated Deaths (2009)
• 130,000 Estimated Orphans
• 61,736 Reported Number of People Receiving ART
• 130,000 Estimated Number of People Needing ART
  
  

  SOURCE:
  UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic, November 2010

HIV/AIDS Assets and Strategic Focus

Strategic Focus
The CDC Lesotho office opened in 2007. CDC supports an integrated continuum of services that includes improvement in Public Health Policies, Prevention Interventions, TB/HIV, Care & Treatment, Health Management Information Systems and improved Laboratory Capacity. This support is provided in close partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW) and its implementing partners.

Building the Public Health Workforce
CDC provides technical leadership in building human capacity for HIV/AIDS/TB treatment programs by supporting training and mentoring for health workers.

Integrating HIV/TB services
CDC is helping the MOHSW to reduce TB/HIV related morbidity and mortality through the provision of integrated, comprehensive TB/HIV services. This includes strengthening TB diagnostics and treatment including the roll-out of rapid molecular testing.

Strengthening Laboratory Systems
CDC provides technical assistance to implement quality laboratory systems, laboratory diagnosis and monitoring tests as well as implementation of new diagnostic technologies. CDC in partnership with its implementing partners provides the necessary technical expertise in developing local capacity for effective coordination of laboratory and blood safety programs to improve service quality.

Maximizing Unique Government-to-Government Relationships with the Ministry of Health
CDC works in partnership with the MOHSW and has agreements with them that includes human capacity building, health system strengthening, and blood safety. CDC plays an integral role in providing technical and administrative leadership in its program areas.