Africa-Press – Lesotho. To eliminate high HIV/AIDS prevalence in the country, the Ministry of Health (MoH) held a meeting on the validation of the Lesotho National Condom Strategy for
2019-2022. Lesotho is currently standing at number two in the world with 25.6% HIV and Aids prevalence. Representing the Ministry of Health
(MoH), Dr Thabelo Ramatlapeng highlighted the ministry’s commitment in fighting
this pandemic hence the effort to promote condom usage. She said the high mortality and maternal death rates among adolescents is due to high HIV and Aids prevalence.
She highly encouraged the use of condoms and emphasized that ‘nobody should be left behind when distributing the condoms. ’ The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Officer in charge Esperence Fundira, applauded the ministry for the effort towards fighting HIV/Aids in Lesotho. She also admired the idea that the strategy is based on the Total Market Approach (TMA) which according to her, is
an advanced way of increasing access to condoms through, social marketing which involves private sector stakeholders in condom distribution. “This approach is not only going to
increase access and availability of condoms, it is also one of the most effective strategies for sustainability of the condom programme and reduction of donor dependency,” she said.
UNFPA takes the strategy success as one means towards taking into consideration the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) numbers three and five on health and gender respectively.
“As we authenticate this strategy, I would like to highlight the importance of education and capacity building on
consistent and correct use of condoms,” UNFPA is indeed proud to have contributed and supported the development of this strategy. We are committed to continue
supporting the Kingdom of Lesotho in endeavors to uplift the well-being of its people particularly in increasing access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights including availability of condoms,” she said.
