Majirata Latela Lesotho’s vulnerable communities are in serious danger from the double-edged sword of a severe food shortage triggered by a devastating drought while also at the risk of contracting HIV as they frantically seek ways to put food on the table in a desperate effort to save their families from starvation.    This grim warning

BILLY NTAOTE Adolescents and young women between the ages of 15 and 24 years remain among the most highly vulnerable people to contract the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Lesotho. HIV causes the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and the virus interferes with the body’s ability to fight infections by damaging its immune system. HIV is transmitted through contact with

THUSO MOSABALA BOTHA-BOTHE – For a 22-year old Palesa Mololi*, who tested HIV positive from birth, the social clubs organised by women in her area have played a pivotal role towards her treatment and being able to fearlessly talk to anyone about her status. Palesa, of Lerallaneng, told the MNN Centre for Investigative Journalism

A heart-breaking tale of a police sergeant who survived abusive hubby and HIV comma    MAJIRATA LATELA BOTHA-BOTHE - At the height of an agonising abuse by her husband in 2013, ’Maseabi Makoa was diagnosed with severe depression that had eroded her blood cells to a lowest CD4 count of 20. The normal CD4 count for healthy

How a 15-year old teen survived HIV odds THUSO MOSABALA When Puleng Motanteli discovered she was HIV positive in 2008, she felt like she could be buried alive. She was merely 15 years old at the time. “What started like an ordinary day changed altogether at the time I received the results of my HIV test. It

Money earmarked for HIV control by 2020   KEISO MOHLOBOLI United States of America has pledged over one billion Maloti for Lesotho to fight the spread of HIV and AIDS this year. The money comes through the US’ profound AIDS programme, President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Announcing the development in Maseru this week, the

…positive mother tells PMTCT success story SECHABA MOKHETHI Botha Bothe — A 28-year-old Lerato Thoahlane has beaten the odds, led a healthy live despite being infected with HIV for the past 14 years. She now has healthy twin-girls aged seven and is buoyant to build them legacy.  Thanks to the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief

…a Botha-Bothe woman narrates her 17 years of living with HIV BILLY NTAOTE Botha-Bothe - In the early 2000, to Basotho news that one had contacted the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was like coming to the brink of staring death in the eyes resulting in being stigmatised and ultimately social exclusion and death. But that was not

Tale of an HIV-positive factory worker who, more than the epidemic, battles fears of stigma Lekhetho Ntsukunyane “I’m a living example AIDS is not a deadly disease; what kills people living with HIV is the unbearable stigma that comes with it,” says the 31-year old ’Mapule Leola*, who has lived with the pandemic for more than

Keiso Mohloboli Public transport operators in Maseru have engaged in major step to fight the scourge of HIV and AIDS. In a recent initiative, the taxi operators in the capital partnered with the Elizabeth Glaser Paediatric AIDS Foundation, Population Services International and Ministry of Health to drive the HIV and AIDS response in the public transport industry. The partnership,