Orphans and vulnerable children received hampers of clothes, shoes and food parcels during the recent Maseru district World AIDS Day (WAD) commemoration held at Ha Ramabanta, Ribaneng Community Council.

The hampers were donations from the National AIDS Commission, Office of the First Lady and private businesses. Some of the clothes distributed were sewn by support group members in the area, from materials donated by the National AIDS Commission.

Under the auspices of the District AIDS Committee, the commemoration was held in collaboration with the neighbouring community councils of Rapoleboea and Makhalaneng. This year the district commemoration was focused on youth, herd boys and the main focus was on orphans and vulnerable children.

The commemoration was preceded by a series of build up activities which include d sensitization of Members of Parliament, Principal chiefs, District stakeholders, Heads of departments and Maseru District Council; one day HIV and AIDS awareness workshops for 3 groups of out of school youth and herd boys; awareness campaigns for schools, 5 days HIV Testing and Counseling services; collection of Clothing and food items from individuals/organizations and departments for the orphans; sensitization of community leaders about essential services for children and orphans; community Mobilization and male focus discussions.

During the commemoration, Dr. ‘Nyane Letsie provided highlights of the district progress report to indicate how the district was performing regarding management of HIV and AIDS. The report encompassed progress at national level, at Community Council level and activities performed by different implementing partners who provide HIV and AIDS services. Some of the achievements reported were the increasing number of people getting tested, especially men. Involvement of PLWHAs and youth in prevention campaigns and activities was also mentioned as some of the achievements of the district.

Some of the challenges the district still faced were said to be low attendance and drop out of pregnant women in antenatal attendance, thereby making it difficult for health workers to trace them. There was still lack of understanding by implementing partners to use Community Councils as the “Gateway” to service delivery. Problems were also encountered in the referral system from traditional doctors to health facilities.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Tlotliso Qobolo, Technical Support Officer at NAC District Office, reiterated his Majesty’s advice in Sehlaba-thebe that Basotho should stop the practice of multiple and concurrent sexual partnerships as it fuels the spread of HIV and AIDS; especially in the adult population, which has the highest prevalence in the country.

She further urged the public to end stigma and discrimination of people living with HIV and AIDS, as they needed support and not to be made to feel inferior.

The District Administrator, Mr. Thabo Ntai held the view that Government has done a lot with Local Government structures and encouraged people to make use of them for effective response to HIV and AIDS. He also urged those who are in vulnerable situations due to HIV and AIDS to register in order to guide resource mobilization and funding.

The occasion was graced by performances of drama, poetry, songs and mokhibo by youth, support group members and poets.

World AIDS Day (WAD) is commemorated globally on 01 December annually. The commemoration is in remembrance of those that have died in the fight against HIV and AIDS and those who are infected and affected by the pandemic. The national commemoration was held in Qacha’s Nek, Sehlaba-thebe. In order to realize meaningful commemoration districts are expected to commemorate district WAD.