There is need to continue disseminating HIV/AIDS messages across the country so as to enhance prevention measures as well as to put to an end the scourge of the pandemic.
The Minister of Health, Mr. Nkaku Kabi expressed this views when closing Lesotho-Based HIV Impact Assessment (LePHIA) final results dissemination held in Maseru on Wednesday.
According to the Minister, continued intensive message dissemination with regard to the issue of the pandemic in the country will give the society provision to explore the various prevention intervention measures so as to curb the scourge.
The Minister therefore warned all, especially men to stop engaging in extra marital affairs, saying such behaviour exposes many to HIV.
“We must separate jokes from serious life issues so as to live longer and prepare for the upcoming generation,” he stressed.
Speaking on behalf of development partners, UNAIDS Representative, Dr Alti Zwandor commended the country for the progress made on issues of HIV/AIDS.
“It was through Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso that the initiative has been a success,” she said.
She highlighted that more needs to be done with regard to going back to the communities as these statistics relating to HIV/AIDS relate to people.
Meanwhile, the HIV/AIDS Manager, Dr Tapiwa Tarabiswa expressed his worry that 65 percent of married couples who have extra marital affairs continue engaging in unprotected sex, hence warned against this behaviour which he said still expose many to getting new infections.
He further called for prevention intervention measures amongst children particularly young girls as many are also vulnerable and exposed to danger.
In summary, the LePHIA results have shown that amongst adults’ ages 15 to 59 years, prevalence of HIV varies across the country with Mohale’s Hoek being on top with 29.3 percent.
The results show that a total of 306, 000 people live with HIV and AIDS.
The LePHIA results or survey has among others revealed a total of 10 000 new cases of HIV annually among adults ages 15 to 49.
 
Source: LENA 16/01/2019