What You Need to Know
The National AIDS Commission (NAC) is conducting a three-day workshop for Senators in Lesotho to address the impact of child marriage, gender-based violence, and unintended pregnancies on the HIV epidemic. The initiative aims to develop a comprehensive legislative framework to combat these issues and improve the country’s response to HIV and AIDS.
Africa-Press – Lesotho. The National AIDS Commission (NAC) is hosting a three-day workshop for Senators aimed at strengthening their understanding of the impact of child marriage, gender-based violence (GBV), and early and unintended pregnancies on Lesotho’s response to HIV and AIDS.
Speaking at the workshop, NAC Chief Executive, Ms Lebohang Mothae, said the initiative is intended to deepen insight into the social challenges that continue to drive the spread of HIV in the country.
Ms. Mothae noted that emerging trends show a growing link between HIV infections and issues such as GBV, child marriage, and unintended pregnancies, which disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, particularly young people.
She added that the workshop is expected to result in the development of a comprehensive programme or legislative framework to guide the Senate in addressing these challenges. This includes establishing accountability mechanisms and ensuring alignment with national efforts to combat HIV.
Meanwhile, Mr Deepak Bhaskaran, from UNICEF emphasised that addressing these challenges is critical for the survival and prosperity of children and young people in Lesotho.
He said collective leadership is needed to prioritise political, legislative, and community-driven interventions aimed at protecting children and reducing new HIV infections.
Mr. Bhaskaran stressed that preventing HIV transmission is not only a public health goal but also a fundamental human right, noting that no child should be born with HIV if proper treatment and care are accessible to both mothers and infants.
Lesotho faces significant challenges in addressing HIV/AIDS, with high infection rates linked to social issues such as child marriage and gender-based violence. The National AIDS Commission has been actively working to engage various stakeholders, including government officials, to create effective policies and programs. This workshop is part of a broader effort to strengthen legislative frameworks and community interventions to combat the epidemic and protect vulnerable populations, particularly young people.
