Marking 20 years of collaboration with the Global Fund and celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Basotho nation’s founding, Lesotho’s Ministry of Health has been awarded over $1.3 million USD (equivalent to over 1.3 billion maloti). This funding aims to strengthen the country’s health systems in the fight against HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis (TB).
Speaking on behalf of the government, Deputy Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara expressed gratitude for the support while highlighting the urgency of addressing Lesotho’s health crisis. With an HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of 18.5%—the second highest in the world—Lesotho faces significant public health challenges, including the co-infection risks of HIV/AIDS and TB.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the need for measurable progress throughout the three-year program funded by the Global Fund. She expressed confidence that the grant would empower Lesotho to implement effective strategies to curb the spread of these diseases.
“This renewed support offers us a chance to tackle the dual burden of HIV/AIDS and TB head-on,” said Majara. “We are committed to leveraging these resources to strengthen our health systems, improve access to treatment, and ultimately achieve better outcomes for our citizens.”
The partnership with the Global Fund has been pivotal in addressing Lesotho’s health challenges over the past two decades. This latest grant underscores the shared commitment to building a healthier and more resilient Basotho nation.
As Lesotho celebrates its bicentennial, the government’s resolve to combat these pressing health issues reflects a dedication to ensuring a brighter future for the nation’s people.
