UNAIDS Appoints Alankar Malviya as Country Director to Strengthen Lesotho’s HIV Response

On 4 March 2026, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations officially received the Letters of Appointment for Mr. Alankar Malviya as the new Country Director and Representative of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) to the Kingdom of Lesotho. This appointment follows the tenure of Ms. Pepukai Chukikwa and marks a continuation of UNAIDS’ strategic engagement in the region. Mr. Malviya will operate from the UNAIDS Multi-Country Office in Pretoria, South Africa, with oversight responsibilities extending to Eswatini, Lesotho, and South Africa. The ceremony highlighted the importance of sustained partnerships between Lesotho and international agencies in addressing public health challenges, particularly HIV/AIDS. It also reflected the government’s commitment to collaborative approaches that strengthen national responses and improve health outcomes for communities most affected by HIV.

The appointment of Mr. Malviya comes at a critical juncture as Lesotho builds on significant achievements in its HIV programs. In 2024, the country successfully reached the 95-95-95 targets, demonstrating that 95 percent of people living with HIV were aware of their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed were receiving treatment, and 95 percent of those on treatment achieved viral suppression. This progress underscores the effectiveness of coordinated national strategies and partnerships with organizations like UNAIDS. Mr. Malviya’s leadership is expected to enhance technical support, advocacy, and programmatic oversight across Lesotho, Eswatini, and South Africa. His role will involve fostering collaboration among government agencies, civil society, and international partners to sustain and expand HIV prevention, testing, and treatment initiatives.

Lesotho has consistently emphasized the value of its partnership with UNAIDS in strengthening the national HIV response. The government has prioritized evidence-based policies, community-led interventions, and innovative programs to reach vulnerable populations. With the continued guidance of UNAIDS, Lesotho aims to accelerate progress toward ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Mr. Malviya will be instrumental in coordinating efforts to address gaps in access, improve treatment adherence, and expand preventive measures such as pre-exposure prophylaxis and education campaigns. These initiatives are critical to ensuring that the gains made in recent years are not only maintained but further amplified to achieve long-term health outcomes.

The presentation of the Letters of Appointment also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in combating HIV/AIDS. By overseeing multiple countries from the Pretoria office, Mr. Malviya will facilitate the sharing of best practices, resources, and technical expertise across Southern Africa. Regional coordination allows for harmonized strategies, especially in addressing cross-border health challenges and supporting mobile populations. UNAIDS’ multi-country approach strengthens collective efforts and ensures that national programs are aligned with international guidelines and targets. This collaborative framework is vital for sustaining momentum toward the elimination of HIV/AIDS as a major public health concern.

The appointment of Mr. Alankar Malviya as UNAIDS Country Director and Representative to Lesotho reaffirms the country’s commitment to partnership-driven progress in HIV/AIDS response. His leadership is expected to enhance coordination, technical support, and regional collaboration, reinforcing Lesotho’s efforts to sustain achievements following the 95-95-95 milestone. By combining national dedication with international expertise, Lesotho is well-positioned to continue reducing new infections, improving treatment outcomes, and working toward the ultimate goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. The appointment symbolizes a renewed focus on strategic partnerships and sustainable interventions that benefit communities across the country and the broader Southern African region.