PROGRESS OF USG HIV/AIDS PROGRAM IN LESOTHO

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MASERU 000188

SIPDIS

AIDAC
SIPDIS

FOR S/GAC, USAID AND AF

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KHIV PREL PHUM SOCI LT
SUBJECT: PROGRESS OF USG HIV/AIDS PROGRAM IN LESOTHO

Summary
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1. USG Programs in the Kingdom of Lesotho, a non-'focus'
country under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
(PEPFAR),are reaping recognition from Basotho governmental and
non-governmental corners. The extensive interaction of the
HIV/AIDS Coordinator with local entities, continued public
outreach by the Ambassador and senior level visitors, and
specific USAID, CDC, Peace Corps, DOL and DOD programs coupled
with the growing presence of U.S. universities have resulted in
excellent media coverage and supportive public statements. As
USG regional and in-country teams craft next year's plan, they
do so in an atmosphere of increasing public and private
awareness. End Summary.


2. The on-the-ground activities of post's HIV/AIDS
Coordinator and Ambassador's leadership position on the UN's
Expanded HIV/AIDS Theme Group are being recognized in feedback
from local organizations, the Minister of Health, and the media.
Coordinator Joan Atkinson has brought together all U.S.
organizations in partnership with PVOs and who are working with
the technical teams of the GoL. As the U.S. representative on
the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) for the Global Fund
grants, the Coordinator played a major role in drafting the
country's response to the Global Fund in early 2006. As a
result of this response, threatened cutoffs of funding never
materialized and the GOL's Minister of Health has repeatedly
thanked the U.S. Ambassador for support since his thinly-staffed
agency relied so heavily on U.S. expertise.


3. USD$7 million of PEPFAR funding has allowed a rapid
scale-up of USAID, CDC and Peace Corps funded programs:

X A pre-small grants workshop directed towards local
organizations and managed by USAID through PACT drew
representatives of nearly 100 community-based organizations to
Maseru. Technical reviews of grant applications have resulted
in grant agreements with 9 organizations to date, with grants
ranging from USD$65,000 to USD$300,000.

X In January 2006 over 500 youth between the ages of 11 to 24
years participated in a highly successful three day, "Life
Affirming Youth Sports Camp" organized by Peace Corps. The
camps integrated HIV prevention messages with recreational
activities.

X PMTCT+ 'Site Readiness' appraisals followed by dissemination
workshops have been conducted at 3 major health care facilities
in Lesotho. The appraisals were conducted by Columbia University
together with the Academy for Educational Development and the
Elizabeth Glazer Pediatric Foundation who have formed the
Partnership for Family Centered HIV Programs (PFHP) in order to
scale-up PMTCT+ services at these 3 sites.

X With USG support a Technical Advisor has been hired to assist
the National TB Program with GFATM grant implementation and with
the process of integrating TB & HIV services in 4 pilot
districts. A second Senior HCT/TB/HIV Advisor is in the process
of being identified.

X With the assistance of the USAID Capacity Project, human
resource managers with the MOHSW are being assisted to develop
operational plans for their department. This is part of a
larger effort to assist in the implementation of Lesotho's Human
Resources Strategic Plan for health.

X USG HIV/AIDS funding is providing the assistance of an
architectural firm as well as a health consultant to assist in
preparing a proposal to the Millennium Challenge Corporation.
The proposal will include basic infrastructural needs (clinic
upgrades & renovations, blood transfusion centers, dorms. etc.)
as well as address the shortage of health care workers in
Lesotho.

X USG funding will strengthen the national 'Know Your Status'
campaign through continued support for stand-alone VCT sites as
well as by initiating a new program that will improve the
quality of VCT in existing health facilities.

X The USG is working with the Global Fund CCM to access
Technical Assistance funds to assist in implementation of Global
Fund grants made available for this purpose by Ambassador
Tobias.


4. The March visit of DOD's Technical Support Manager Dr. Anne
Thomas highlighted the interest in PMTCT training for the
Lesotho Defense Force and civilian institutions. Her tour of
the Military Hospital garnered extensive local/regional coverage
and encouraged HIV testing and treatment of personnel. The
Commander of the LDF publicly thanked the USG for its past and

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present contributions to controlling the spread of AIDS.


5. During an April 11 presentation to all donors, Lesotho's
Finance Minister praised USG contributions and those of private
U.S. organizations in the nation's fight against HIV/AIDS. The
Minister has also requested specific information on USG programs
that can be incorporated into publications the GoL produces.
Embassy and interagency personnel expect to be involved over the
coming weeks in consultations with donors, Baylor College of
Medicine and Boston University's Medical Center to chart future
directions. The Ambassador, the EU head of delegation and the
UNICEF director met in March with the new chair of Lesotho's
National AIDS Commission (NAC) Board to identify areas where
donors can help strengthen the NAC's umbrella role, one we view
as essential to continued forward movement.
PERRY