National Aids Commission: AIDS could "wipe-out" Lesotho

Teboho Senthebane, South Africa

The Chief Executive of the National Aids Commission, Keketso Sefeane, speaking at a local workshop in Lesotho recently, declared HIV/AIDS has the potential to "wipe-out" the whole country. According to Sefeane, the disease's impact on Lesotho's work force, including the loss of skills and experience, decreases economic productivity and hinders the sustainable delivery of goods and services to the country's population.

Also the lack of physicians in Lesotho are adding to the problem - children are particularily affected. With mother to child transmission rates still at a high of 37%, the estimated 18,000 HIV+ children are served by a mere six pedatricians. In addition, the shortage of medical workers has complicated efforts to administer antiretroviral drugs under the project led by the Clinton foundation and Lesotho's Baylor clinic.

Two weeks ago former UN envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, Stephen Lewis, was invested as a "Knight Commander of the Most Dignified Order of Moshoeshoe", the country's highest honour, for his work in Lesotho during his five-year stay. When Lewis first arrived, less than 3000 people living with HIV/AIDS in Lesotho had access to antiretroviral drugs. Now, 24,000 HIV+ citizens have access to antiretrovirals. It is expected that this will rise to over 300,000 by the end of this year. Lewis is credited for making this possible by persuading international organisations to work in Lesotho.

The Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report (7/13), says an estimated 29,000 new HIV cases occured in Lesotho in 2007, bringing the total number of cases to more than 270,000.