PHELISANANG BOPHELONG EMBARKS ON KYS CAMPAIGN
	Members of Phelisanang Bophelong, an association of people living with HIV/AIDS in Leribe, have engaged in the know your status campaign in which they mobilize the community about the importance of the correct use of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). In an interview the chairperson of the district committee for people living with HIV/AIDS, who is also a member of Phelisanang Bophelong, Mr. Moloisane Molopi said knowing one’s status is the first remedy against stigma as people are able to empathize regardless of their status. He expressed his appreciation over people's response to the campaign, saying people voluntarily test for HIV/AIDS during the campaigns. He also mentioned that the campaign further encourages the community to provide care and support for people living with HIV and AIDS, adding that they also promote proper use of ARV treatment as in some cases people refuse to take antiretroviral drugs. He noted that education about HIV/AIDS including Voluntary Testing and Counseling along with the use of antiretroviral must be a continuous process to strengthen care and support of people infected by HIVAIDS. Mr. Molopi outlined yet another challenge facing the people living positively with HIV/AIDS, stating that despite their activism in the fight against the pandemic, poverty disrupts peace and the sense of human dignity. He said that they need economical empowerment to accelerate prevention and halt the further spread of the pandemic. Phelisanang Bophelong was established in 2004 with a view to create a HIV and AIDS competent society that is empowered through counselling and involvement in income generating activities to prolong lives.
	Source: LENA