Lesotho has joined the South-to-South HIV Prevention Learning Network as its 16th member, pledging to deepen regional collaboration and accelerate progress toward an HIV-free generation.
By Lemohang Botsane
MASERU — Lesotho has taken a significant step forward in its fight against HIV. The National AIDS Commission (NAC) joined hands with the South-to-South HIV Prevention Learning Network this week to hold a two-day workshop in Maseru, aimed at making the country’s HIV prevention work stronger and more effective.
The workshop opened on Wednesday and brought together government leaders, health experts, and development partners from across the region. They worked on a plan called the Pan-Prevention approach, which looks at all the different ways to stop new HIV infections rather than focusing on one method alone.
Speaking at the opening, Acting Principal Secretary for Health, Mats’oanelo Monyobi, said it is a proud moment for Lesotho as the country has just become the 16th member of the South-to-South HIV Prevention Learning Network.
“This is a big milestone for us,” Monyobi said. “It means we can now share what we have learned with other countries. We can also learn from them about the best ways to prevent HIV.”
Monyobi said that Lesotho is still badly affected by HIV and AIDS, but the country has made strong progress. Lesotho has already met and exceeded the global 95-95-95 targets. This means 95% of people with HIV know their status, 95% of those are on treatment, and 95% of people on treatment have the virus under control.
She said the workshop will help participants share ideas, collaborate more effectively, and find new ways to stop HIV.
“We need to make sure money for HIV prevention is used in the best way. That is how we will get an HIV-free generation.”
Muhammed Khan · South-to-South HIV Prevention Learning Network
Muhammed Khan, speaking on behalf of the South-to-South HIV Prevention Learning Network, said the meeting is a chance to talk about funding. He noted that countries will assess whether their current programmes are working, and look for gaps that need quick action. He praised Lesotho for its active role in the network. “This shows Lesotho is serious about stopping new infections and helping the whole region,” he said.
Tiisetso Piet, speaking for the NAC Chief Executive, highlighted that the NAC will keep building strong partnerships with the goal of growing programmes that are proven to work.
“We cannot stop now,” Piet said. “We must work together to keep our progress going. We must move even faster.”
The workshop concluded on Thursday. Over the two days, participants discussed practical plans to help Lesotho and other countries improve their HIV prevention programmes, with the main aim of ensuring fewer people get infected in future.
The NAC said working with neighbours and sharing knowledge is key to ending HIV in Lesotho and across Southern Africa.
