…as Lesotho joins World AIDS Day commemoration
Moroke Sekoboto
HIS Majesty King Letsie III has commended the country’s progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS, while acknowledging that significant challenges persist.
The King reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to enhancing prevention, care, and treatment strategies for all those living with the virus.
Speaking at the World AIDS Day commemoration at the Manthabiseng Convention Centre this week, King Letsie III lauded Lesotho for exceeding the 95-95-95 targets set by UNAIDS for 2025. According to national statistics, 97% of people living with HIV know their status, 97% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 99% of those on treatment are virally suppressed.
World AIDS Day 2025 was commemorated on 1 December under the theme: “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response”.
“On this solemn occasion, as we join the global community in commemorating World AIDS Day 2025, I urge both individual and collective reflection on the progress we have made over the years and the challenges that remain in the HIV and AIDS response. We can all attest to the long journey we have travelled; a journey marked by both victories and setbacks,” King Letsie III said.
“While we mourn our losses as lessons learned, we must cherish our successes as best practices to be carried forward and passed on to future generations. We also honour the lives of the loved ones we have lost, reaffirming our commitment to improving prevention, care, and treatment strategies for those who remain.”
The King extended his heartfelt gratitude to international partners who have supported Basotho through some of the most difficult moments.
“It is because of your unwavering support that Lesotho has achieved many successes in this battle, however, I must emphasise that the war is not yet won. True victory will be realised only when every person living with HIV & AIDS is receiving treatment, when all citizens know their HIV status, and when new infections are eradicated. I call on all our partners to continue supporting us in this fight until we have liberated our people from the burden of HIV & AIDS for generations to come.”
King Letsie III noted that this year’s theme resonates deeply with Lesotho’s four-decade-long journey to confront the challenges posed by the HIV & AIDS pandemic.
“This theme serves as a reminder, not only of the obstacles we have faced but also of the innovative solutions that have emerged from our collective efforts. In 2025, disruptions have significantly impacted our HIV response — disruptions affecting treatment, testing, education, and efforts to address social and structural barriers.”
He highlighted that HIV prevention programmes and community-led services — essential for reaching marginalised groups — have not been spared.
“Nevertheless, amidst all these challenges, Lesotho has demonstrated remarkable resilience, with its communities and stakeholders stepping up to protect the gains we have made and to continue advancing the HIV response.”
“We have learnt that transformation is not merely a possibility but an essential requirement for progress. While we acknowledge the sobering statistics on HIV & AIDS-related deaths, we must remember that these numbers represent real, devastating pain felt by families, communities, and individuals whose lives have been disrupted.
“However, we also take this opportunity to recognise and celebrate the heroic efforts of those who continue to fight against HIV & AIDS. Their courage and selfless dedication serve as a powerful reminder that this battle is one we cannot afford to lose. I am proud to report that Lesotho has made significant strides in recent years.
“We have achieved and surpassed the 95-95-95 targets set by UNAIDS for 2025. Ninety-seven percent of people living with HIV know their status, 97% of those diagnosed are receiving treatment, and 99% of those on treatment are virally suppressed. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the power of concerted effort and unity. We must work together to sustain these gains and continue saving lives,” King Letsie III emphasised.
He further stressed the need for Basotho to transform their approaches by leveraging strategic partnerships, community engagement, and data-driven strategies.
This transformation, he said, must prioritise marginalised communities who disproportionately carry the burden of social and health disparities.
Also speaking at the commemoration, Minister of Health, Selibe Mochoboroane, said the day presented an opportunity to celebrate the resilience of people living with HIV, their families and the countless health workers and community volunteers who remain the backbone of the national response.
Mr Mochoboroane said the occasion symbolises persistence, a positive mindset, and the value of consistent action.
“Today, we stand at a pivotal moment: a moment of transformation and tangible hope. The history of Lesotho’s HIV response is one of a nation that has confronted a devastating epidemic with courage and unity. We have overcome immense challenges, and we are now transforming our approach from crisis management to sustainable control.
“Our latest 2025 HIV estimates tell a story of profound progress as we have surpassed the 95-95-95 global targets. This success is a direct result of the collective will of every person who got tested, every caregiver who ensured medication was taken, and every health worker who served. Our progress is monumental. Since 2010, we have cut new HIV infections by 83% and reduced AIDS-related deaths by half,” Mr Mochoboroane said.
He also announced that the government will introduce the Lenacapavir injection in February next year to prevent new HIV infections.
UNAIDS Country Director, Pepukai Chikukwa, echoed the minister’s sentiments, noting that Lesotho has made exceptional progress, including an 83% decline in new infections since 2010.
Ms Chikukwa also commended the country for surpassing the 95-95-95 global targets.
“However, despite this progress, there are still challenges, particularly among adolescent girls and young women, who account for 36% of new infections.
“To sustain this progress, we need to transform our approach, increase domestic funding, and ensure community ownership. The introduction of a six-month injectable treatment is a promising development. With continued support and radical shifts in programming, Lesotho can reach its 2030 targets.
“We must be proactive, going out to provide services rather than waiting for people to come to us. With the HIV response at a critical stage, we need to work hard to sustain the progress made. Let’s map out strategies to reach everyone, especially vulnerable groups, and ensure they receive the services they need,” Ms Chikukwa said.
