LMPS TO ESTABLISH AIDS UNIT
	The assistant of the officer commanding Mokhotlong police, Senior Inspector Molahlehi Letsoepa has urged members of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) to work together to scale up the fight against HIV/AIDS. Speaking at a one-day meeting to consolidate the views of LMPS staff on the establishment of the AIDS Unit on Monday, Senior Inspector Letsoepa, said all staff members should encourage each other to go for HIV/AIDS testing and to support those who know their status. A member of LMPS, Ha Re Pheleng support group, Mr. Mathibeli Ntlhabo said the main challenge facing police officers is to stop the high numbers of dieing officers by getting more insight on the pandemic so that they can take care of themselves. He stated that they have formed a support unit with the objective of providing care and support to the infected and affected, their families and the community, promote home based care, and maintain welfare of all members of LMPS. He said their aim is also to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS through counseling, to reduce myths, stigma and discrimination and to strengthen capacity and knowledge among the staff. Mrs. ‘Matsepo Mpela a member of the support group said disclosure of one’s status is a major challenge because people fear to be discriminated. She said secrecy is one contributor to the many deaths because people end up depressed because they have no one to confide in and talk to. The meeting has recommended that all the staff of LMPS be granted membership to the HIV/Aids club so that there is no dicrimination towards those infected. Similar gatherings would be held for the LMPS staff throughout the country.
	Source: LENA