…as PM Matekane urges Basotho to join HIV fight
Ithabeleng Qhasho
THE AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has donated office equipment and food parcels to St James Hospital in Mantšonyane, Thaba-Tseka, in a move aimed at strengthening healthcare services in the district.
The donations were officially handed over this week by Prime Minister Sam Matekane during a ceremony attended by the government officials, healthcare workers and community members, underscoring the importance of collaboration in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Speaking at the event, Mr Matekane urged Basotho to prioritise HIV testing, stressing that knowing one’s status is critical for maintaining good health.
“It is important for everyone to know their HIV status rather than remain unaware. Early testing allows health challenges to be identified and addressed in time,” Mr Matekane said.
He also expressed appreciation to AIDS Healthcare Foundation for its continued support to Lesotho’s health sector, noting that partnerships between the government and international organisations remain vital in improving community health services.
“It is clear that AHF stands side by side with the government in the fight against HIV and AIDS, and for that we are truly grateful,” he said. “These donations remind us that we must continue working hard to provide quality services to our communities.”
The premier further commended the management and staff of St James Hospital for maintaining a clean and orderly environment, highlighting the link between cleanliness and overall well-being.
“Cleanliness promotes good health. When people live or work in a clean environment, they are able to think clearly and maintain a healthy lifestyle,” he said.
Mr Matekane also encouraged greater self-reliance, particularly as some international aid begins to decline. He pointed to agriculture as a key pillar for ensuring proper nutrition and sustaining public health.
“Lesotho is blessed with fertile land that allows us to grow our own food. Agriculture plays a crucial role in ensuring proper nutrition, which is essential for maintaining good health,” he said.
AHF Country Programme Manager, Nthoesele Letoao, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Lesotho’s healthcare system despite global funding pressures.
She said AHF, which originated in the United States, had been at the forefront of combating HIV and AIDS since the early 1980s.
“We have been working since the start of the HIV pandemic in the early 1980s until now, and we promise that we will always be there,” she said.
Ms Letoao added that the latest donation reflected AHF’s ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare services and support communities across the country. She emphasised the importance of continued collaboration with government to ensure long-term sustainability in health service delivery.
St James Hospital Administrator, Zuzeka Bereng, said the facility—established in 1963—continued to serve more than 70,000 people in surrounding areas despite facing operational challenges.
She cited staff shortages and transport difficulties in transferring patients from clinics to the hospital as some of the key obstacles.
“Although we face challenges such as insufficient staff and transport issues for patient transfers, we are still managing to serve our community diligently,” Ms Bereng said.
She also acknowledged AHF’s ongoing support since 2021, which included human resource capacitation, medical supplies and infrastructure.
“AHF has been supporting us in various ways, including the donations we are receiving today. We are very thankful,” she said.
