Five support groups from Hoohlo No. 32 Constituency were overjoyed last week when they received Home-Based Care (HBC) kits from the National AIDS commission in order to care for the chronically ill in their communities.

The donation was a result of a request made by the support groups through the NAC district office for assistance in procuring Home-Based Kits; having realized that it was a challenge caring for the sick without the HBC kits to do so.

The NAC Corporate Secretary Mr. Jothame Phakisi, on behalf of the Social Responsibility Committee of NAC, indicated that in addition to NAC’s mandate of coordinating the response to HIV and AIDS in the country, it is the responsibility of NAC to support non-governmental organizations such as support groups in their quest to reduce the impact of HIV and AIDS in communities.

Mr. Phakisi further explained that the Social Responsibility fund is a small fund intended only to extend a helping hand to communities and emphasized that there was no discrimination in providing assistance but selection depends entirely on availability of funds as well as credibility of a proposal. He applauded the presence of men in the support groups and urged them to encourage more men to be more participant in caring for the sick.

The NAC Technical Support Officer, Ms. Tlotliso Qobolo informed the gathering that the support groups will be attached to a clinic near them for guidance in using the medication and other medical appliances and urged them to be diligent and honest in using the HBC kits and there are reports that some support groups sell the medication.

The support groups thanked NAC and indicated that they felt motivated as they had been working without any supplies for a long time; and on behalf of the District Administrator, Mr. Malitsane Seotsanyana conveyed appreciation for the gifts that the support groups received and commended the support groups for the wonderful work they do, and also urged them to use the HBC kits for their intended purpose, that of caring for the sick.

In another joyous occasion, Mr. Matso Monare of Ha Mabote received a surprise gift of a wheelchair from the National AIDS Commission. Mr. Monare is a person living with disability and was born that way. He was spotted in his neighbourhood having difficulty moving from one place to another as his old wheelchair was dilapidated. NAC through its social responsibility committee therefore decided to donate him a wheelchair to make his life easier. Mr. Monare has a wife and son and has never attended school or worked in his life while his wife works in the textile factories. He could not contain his appreciation and thanked the Commission with all his heart and urged it to continue to improve the lives of Basotho.

By Mpolokeng Mpeli