Over 200 000 people in the country are infected with HIV/AIDS and 70 of them die each day of HIV related illnesses.

The National AIDS Commission (NAC) Chief Executive, Mr. Keketso Sefeane disclosed this at the ceremony to commemorate World AIDS Day (WAD) organised by the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) at Machache in Maseru on Monday.

Mr. Sefeane said Lesotho is rated third in the world with a high number of people infected by HIV/AIDS, Swaziland rated number one, while Botswana is in second position.

He therefore expressed need for all members of the community to join the fight against pandemic and so to reduce the spread of HIV.

Focus on this year's commemoration is 'leadership', which he noted begins in families hence the need for parents to discuss HIV related issues with children for their empowerment. The Chief Executive urged the youth to preserve their dignity by not engaging in sex before marriage to prevent the infection of the pandemic.

'Youth should stand still and avoid temptation and betrayal either by their peers or elderly people,' he said.

Mr. Sefeane commended LHDA for organising the event, saying it shows commitment to join the fight against the pandemic.

Speaking on behalf of LHDA Chief Executive, Mr. Mahase Thokoa said the authority is committed to educate the public on HIV/AIDS related issues for prevention and promotion of good health. Therefore urging young people to establish associations in which to discuss issues that affect them particularly HIV/AIDS, which he said is a major challenge facing youth in the country.

As part of the commemoration, LHDA donated food stuff to 14 child headed households and distributed equipment for treatment and care of people infected with HIV/AIDS to four support groups in the villages of Ha-Seoehla, Ha-Nkhema, Ha-Lethena and Ha-Mosuoe.

WAD is an annual event marked on December 01 with the objective to honour people infected and affected by the pandemic.

Source: LENA 04/12/2007