By: Puseletso Maqoaelane
Maseru
The Ministry of Health in Lesotho has announced a substantial budget of at least M2 billion to develop a sustainability roadmap for addressing HIV and tuberculosis (TB) responses.
This announcement was made by Dr. Tarumbiswa Tapiwa, the HIV and AIDS Programme Manager, during a National Dialogue focused on the roadmap’s development held recently.
Dr. Tapiwa emphasized that the allocation of M2 billion is a significant indicator of the program’s scale and importance. He stated, “When we talk about M2 billion in resources from development partners, civil society, and the government, it reflects the vision we have: a future where HIV and TB epidemics are no longer seen as perpetual threats.” This financial commitment underscores the government’s intention to provide high-quality, universal access to HIV and TB prevention, treatment, and care services for all Basotho.
A critical aspect of this initiative involves transitioning to a system primarily supported by domestic resources. This includes enhancing human resources, health information systems, supply chains, and financial management to ensure sustainability. Dr. Tapiwa outlined the strategic plan’s goal to reduce new HIV infections to 2,600 annually by 2028. Currently, the nation faces a considerable challenge, with an estimated 4,800 new infections reported by the end of 2023. This indicates that substantial work remains to achieve the target.
Additionally, the Ministry aims to eliminate Mother-to-Child Transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, setting a goal of reducing the transmission rate to less than two percent by 2038. As of the end of 2023, the EMTCT rate stood at 5.1 percent, highlighting the need for intensified efforts in this area.
Dr. Tapiwa also highlighted the significance of focusing on core areas, particularly surveillance. He advocated for a multi-disease surveillance system that encompasses not only HIV but also TB and other health conditions. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of community engagement, suggesting network-based approaches where individuals within specific populations can actively encourage their peers to get tested. “Let young people test young people, let men test men, and let those populations that may feel stigmatized and left behind engage with their peers,” he urged.
During the dialogue, Pepukai Chikukwa, the UNAIDS Country Director, noted that despite global advancements in HIV treatment, access to care remains uneven. Key and vulnerable populations often struggle to receive necessary services. She pointed out that HIV prevention has not been sufficiently integrated into national responses and remains underfunded, leading to unacceptably high AIDS-related mortality rates.
Chikukwa further remarked on the challenges posed by multiple concurrent crises, such as rising commodity prices and climate change, which threaten global and national HIV responses. She emphasized that Lesotho must transform its approach to sustain its efforts beyond 2030, requiring both political will and financial commitment.
Paul Masiu, Chairman of the Parliamentary Pandemic Committee, acknowledged the notable progress Lesotho has made in its HIV response. However, he also pointed out that significant challenges remain, particularly concerning tuberculosis. Lesotho is among the 30 countries worldwide with the highest TB and TB/HIV burden. Masiu stressed the necessity of addressing disparities in epidemic control across various demographics and sub-populations to fully achieve national health goals.
In conclusion, as Lesotho stands at a critical juncture in its fight against HIV and TB, the new M2 billion budget represents a pivotal step towards sustainable health solutions. The collaborative efforts between government, civil society, and international partners are crucial for achieving a future where these diseases are no longer significant threats to the population’s health. The path forward requires not only funding but also innovative strategies, community engagement, and a commitment to equity in healthcare access.