PARLIAMENT HOLDS A BOLD STAND AGAINST AIDS

The Parliament of Lesotho intends to hold talks with representatives of Village Support Groups and Districts Aids Task Force in the 10 districts of Lesotho starting Tuesday next week 14 to November04, 2003. In an interview with LENA, the Chairperson of the Select Committee on HIV and AIDS, Dr. Khauhelo Ralitapole  said the purpose of the visit is to identify through  dialogue, the practical and real situation and problems surrounding the fight against HIV and AIDS in the country.

Dr. Ralitapole said the committee intends to prepare a report pertaining the results of the study, and make recommendations as well as making encouragements regarding the fight against HIV and AIDS. "Since there is so much controversy regarding this pandemic, we found it necessary to engage  with people dealing with HIV and AIDS persons as they are in a better position to relate exactly what happens, problem they encounter regarding this matter and what they think should be done" Dr. Ralitapole said. The Select Chairperson  said hercommittee is  one of the committees within the Parliament which was established in July this year as a complimentary venture to the national fight against HIV and AIDS.

Meanwhile, during the HIV/AIDS summit held in Maseru four months ago, the Prime Minister, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili, described HIV/AIDS as one major enemies of Basotho, followed by sever poverty and hunger. The Prime minister, announced with regret that following the rampant HIV/AIDS spread in the country, Lesotho is one of the  leading countries  with infections in Southern Africa, and positioned  number four in the entire world.

8 October 2003