MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 02/06/09

Stakeholders in HIV and AIDS convened for a one day National HIV and AIDS Annual Partnership Forum that took place at ‘Manthabiseng Convention Centre on Wednesday May 27, 2009.

The objective of the Partnership Forum was to evaluate progress on implementation of the Annual Operational Plan by taking stock on all HIV and AIDS interventions and efforts in scaling-up responses by all implementing partners for the fiscal year 2008/2009, as well as to ensure holistic reporting on the national initiatives.

The key highlights for this annual event were the launching of the Behaviour Change Communication Strategy, which is a document that will assist Basotho to translate their knowledge into behaviour change. Other issues discussed included provision of a report on the National Strategic Plan Mid-term Review, a situational analysis of HIV and AIDS in the Lesotho Correctional Services as well as an update on issues of condom programming.

Stakeholders including the umbrella organizations and key line Ministries reported on all interventions and efforts in scaling-up the response within their constituencies through poster presentations, and presentations highlighted achievements, challenges and gaps as well as the future strategic direction including remedial actions.

Stakeholders invited to participate at the forum included representatives from Government Ministries, Civil Society, Private Sector, Development Partners and District Authorities.

The forum is an annual event that is established in line with the National HIV and AIDS Coordination framework to provide opportunity to evaluate implementation of the Annual Operational Plan, which is drawn from the National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan.