The entire nation has to regard itself as a central force in the fight against HIV/AIDS for there to be progress in this regard. Otherwise all efforts will have been in vain. 

Former United States president, Mr. Bill Clinton, on a one-day visit to Lesotho on July 18, said the HIV/AIDS pandemic is the personal responsibility of every single Mosotho not only a certain institution.

In a media briefing at the end of his visit, the former president though many people may think the number of those getting anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment is still small, there is nevertheless great progress being made as compared to the time when there was none getting the drugs in the past.

He has heard of the impact of HIV/AIDS in this country even before coming, and has also been told of the situation of those suffering from this disease, but having been here himself; he thinks the Government of Lesotho has done a great deal in a short time.

Mr. Clinton stressed the importance of the entire nation taking this matter unto themselves and helping educate others about HIV/AIDS, so that all should in the end see the need to know their status and get further treatment where there is need.

19 July 2005