Lesotho Launches HIV Testing Program

Lesotho's Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili Saturday launched the nation's first voluntary HIV/AIDS testing and counseling program designed to serve around 1 million adults within a year. Lesotho has an HIV-infection rate of 31 percent, the fourth-highest rate in the world.

Speaking to the 2,000 people gathered in his hometown of Qacha's Nek, Mosisili said people "should know his or her status so that we may be able to know the magnitude of the problem we are facing to enable us to adjust our attitudes and behavior accordingly." "Today it is possible to talk confidently about universal voluntary testing because nutrition and treatment options allow those who are positive to live longer and more productive lives," said Mosisili, who along with several other lawmakers underwent HIV testing.

Working with the UN, the government launched the testing program in all health care facilities. New testing centers will be set up in outlying areas. Additional health care workers are being trained so that the goal of testing 1 million adults out of the 2.2 million population can be achieved.

Back to other news for March 9, 2004