LESOTHO: SPEAKER REQUEST ON YOUTH HIV/AIDS ISSUES

UNCLAS MASERU 000085 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT ALSO FOR IIP, AF/S E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KPAO SCUL OEXC LT SUBJECT: LESOTHO: SPEAKER REQUEST ON YOUTH HIV/AIDS ISSUES ¶1. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Embassy Maseru requests a strong speaker who can effectively reach youth audiences on issues of HIV/AIDS including the culturally sensitive topic of male circumcision. This speaker will support the Lesotho Government and PEPFAR's continuing fight against the devastation caused by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the Lesotho -- a nation with the world's third highest HIV prevalence rate. This speaker will directly support the mission's number one Mission Strategic Plan (MSP) goal of promoting public health. We feel that such a speaker could bolster the efforts of PEPFAR, a presidential initiative which spends $13 million annually in Lesotho, and various U.S.-based NGO's which are devoted to raising awareness of the disease and providing care for the infected. As more data has become available regarding the impact of male circumcision on the transmission of HIV/AIDS, post recognizes that an informed and charismatic speaker on the topic who feels comfortable with youth audiences could have a great impact. ¶2. TIME FRAME: We hope to program the speaker for a period of one week. We would like to arrange the program as soon as practicable. ¶3. PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM: As stated above, this speaker would directly support the mission's number one Mission Strategic Plan (MSP) goal of promoting public health. The purpose of the program would be to provide youth audiences with accurate and up-to-date information about HIV/AIDS in an engaging format, especially addressing the topic of male circumcision. ¶4. AUDIENCES: The speaker will address youth-oriented public events, high schools peer educators, collegiate and youth organizations, testing centers councilors, and organizations implementing HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns in Lesotho. The Public Affairs Section will arrange radio and television interviews to extend the impact of these presentations. ¶5. PROPOSED TOPICS AND NATURE OF EVENTS: The speaker should speak about the current state of research on male circumcision and HIV/AIDS transmission, the safest methods of circumcision, and ways for young people to become involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS, such as peer education. Suggested discussion topics might be why male circumcision is encouraged, myths/misconceptions about circumcision, the responsibilities of young people in the fight against HIV/AIDS, how youth can raise awareness through dialogue, the importance of peer educators, and how young people can empower themselves by continuing to learn about HIV/AIDS. The speaker will address audiences primarily at forum-style events with an emphasis on audience involvement. ¶6. LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT: English. ¶7. PROGRAM OFFICER AND CONTACT INFORMATION: Christopher M. Smith Public Diplomacy, Economic, and Political Officer (+226)22-312-666, ext. 4104 (office) SmithCM3@state.gov ¶8. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Embassy Maseru would support sharing this speaker with other interested posts. NOLAN