The Prime Minister has commended communities of Ketane Ha Nohana for their positive response towards the ‘Know Your Status’ call of the Government of Lesotho.

Speaking during first anniversary celebration of the Rural Initiative held at Ha Nohana clinic in Ketane, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili said government’s strategies to fight against HIV/AIDS through the rural initiative would fail if the community’s response were negative.

The initiative’s objective, he said is to expand access to increased HIV testing services, and comprehensive HIV care that comprise of antiretroviral therapy (ART), prophylaxis and treatment of opportunistic infections in remote and most difficult areas.

Mr. Mosisili commended Partners In Health (PIH), Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative (CHAI), Irish Aid, Lesotho Flying Doctors Services, Mission Aviation, Community Health Workers and professionals for their commitment in improving health situation of the rural people.

At the same occasion, the Congressman from the United States of America, Mr. Jim McDermott commended all the teams operating in the area for their coordinated efforts to fight the pandemic.

He also congratulated AIDS patients, who recovered for their bravery to give testimony regarding their lives before and after receiving antiretroviral therapy.

One of the patients, Mr. Pitso Peo, said acceptance of one’s HIV status would help to improve their lives, adding that it is high time that everyone, young and old, knows their HIV/AIDS status and refrain from stigmatization.

The theme for the celebration was ‘Increasing quality health care delivery to mountainous areas of Lesotho.’

The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW) launched the Rural Initiative in March 2006 in the mountain clinics of Ha Nohana, Nkau and Bobete. The initiating partners were the MOHSW and CHAI with financial support from Irish Aid, while PIH is an implementing agency.

The Rural Initiative has helped to enroll over 550 patients, who are on ARTs, while 1 500 positive HIV patients are in follow-up care.

Present at the occasion were the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, other Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, Irish Aid, PIH and CHAI representatives.

SOURCE: LENA 23/08/2007