Maseru, Dec. 05 – King Letsie lll says as the globe commemorates World Aids Day (WAD), Lesotho is getting closer to the finish line, urging for concerted efforts to attain free HIV/AIDS generation by 2030.
The King said this after launching the HIV and TB Sustainability Roadmap at Thaba-Bosiu, where many convened to honour and give hope to those infected by the epidemic on Thursday.
He said he recalls the year 1986 when the first HIV/AIDS case was reported in the country, saying though the journey has been challenging but today is all about looking back and remembering the said successes and challenges.
“The spirit of resilience and determination has enabled many to journey on despite their HIV/AIDS positive status, though some have died but there is hope in the land of the living”. He stressed.
Talking about the theme ‘Take the Rights Path’, he said it demands that the rights of all, especially the infected be respected, adding that by protecting human rights, no one would fear to seek health services.
The King noted that this year’s commemoration comes at the time when Basotho are celebrating 200 years, thus all must take advantage to sustain the gains made over the last three decades hence even the roadmap launch.
He added that the launch will therefore put Lesotho towards sustainable TB and HIV, thereby fostering even the culture of equality.
Sharing his sentiments, the Prime Minister (PM), Mr. Ntsokoane Matekane applauded all sectors of the society including donors for their efforts supporting HIV/AIDS activities.
He added that while much has been attained but the most vulnerable namely: children, youth and women still need support. He mentioned the national roadmap aligned to the theme signals the leadership’s continued commitment to fighting the scourge.
Also Speaking, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Ms. Amanda Mukwashi said gone are the days when HIV/AIDS was a death sentence, indicating ending discrimination associated with the disease means a rights based approach must be taken.
The National AIDS Commission (NAC) Chairperson, Reverend Ntokwenzani Xana said many people who showed up at today’s event means the transformative that put Mosotho at the centre to end the epidemic by 2030 otherwise roadmap will be achieved.
UNAIDS latest reports have shown Lesotho is above the targets thus attaining 95 94 and 99 targets, whereby people are aware of their HIV/AIDS positive status, are on treatment and above all the viral load has been suppressed to a rate of 80 percent.
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