What You Need to Know
Lesotho’s National Aids Commission (NAC) is aligning with the UNAIDS 2030 goal to end the HIV pandemic by launching a youth mentorship program. This initiative aims to equip young people in Berea with business skills while providing HIV prevention education. The program addresses the link between poverty and risky behaviors, promoting self-reliance among youth to reduce new infections.
Africa-Press – Lesotho. In line with UNAIDS 2030 goal that aim to end HIV pandemic as a public health threat by reducing new infections and death by 90 percent, National Aids Commission (NAC) through its youth mentorship program has embarked on a three months campaign to equip Berea youth with skills to starts businesses, starting in Teyateyaneng.
Speaking in an interview with the Agency, the Coordinator and member of NAC youth mentorship programme, Mr. Bokang Molelle said that although the programme is meant to reduce new infection, they saw it befitting to impart HIV prevention education with other life skills, including business, noting this comes after realization that some of the decisions youth take are perpetuated by poverty.
He continued that the project is dwelling on farming based on reasons that they are also farmers and will be able to share information they are knowledgeable of, however stating they are willing to work with other organisations in different sectors.
Mr. Molelle added that when youth are self-reliant, they will not be forced into relationships that place their lives in health danger, hence they also assist in providing information on programs that offer financial assistance as well as available platforms that empower youth.
Meanwhile, NAC Public Relations Officer, Ms. Mzondase Tsepane said that since the programme’s inception last year, there is a positive behavioral change in different villages, citing some youth are now seeking assistance in clinics.
She further stated that each group works independently to address challenges in their communities and coin their own approach.
The UNAIDS 2030 goal aims to eliminate HIV as a public health threat by significantly reducing new infections and deaths. In Lesotho, where HIV prevalence remains high, initiatives like the NAC’s youth mentorship program are crucial. By integrating business skills training with health education, the program seeks to empower young people, addressing the socioeconomic factors that contribute to the spread of HIV. This holistic approach is essential for fostering sustainable change in communities affected by the epidemic.
