THE implementation of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) is a key component ideal for the reduction of new HIV infections in countries with a high prevalence of the pandemic, preliminary findings of the Lesotho Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (LePHIA 2020) have shown.
health
Dec. 12, 2020
LINEO MABEKEBEKE
2 min read
Male circumcision key to reducing new HIV infections
Chairperson of Parliament's social cluster sub-committee Fako Moshoeshoe
After Her Majesty Queen ’Masenate Mohato Seeiso’s recent announcement of the findings of LePHIA 2020, the Ministry of Health on December 11 handed over the report to the Parliament social cluster committee, in a bid to join in the fight to end HIV by 2030.
For his part, the Minister of Health Motlatsi Maqelepo said HIV has been troubling Basotho for many years, adding that in 2015, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) set-up a target for the world to reach the 90-90-90 target, which Lesotho has successfully achieved.
He said they only achieved that through the help of their partners and because Basotho were cooperative enough to work with health care professionals to get tested and adhere to treatment.
Mr Maqelepo said they had to provide a multi-month prescription system for clinics in order to provide several months of antiretroviral drugs at a time to patients.
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The aim, he said was to reduce the need for monthly clinic visits in order to collect refills of medication, adding that has helped a lot.
The chairperson of the social cluster sub-committee in Parliament Fako Moshoeshoe appreciated the initiative by the health ministry, noting that if all work hard for the elimination of the virus, they shall reach the next target by the year 2030.
He said the previous results were an indication that Basotho can do well and are ready to fight HIV.
Going forward, Mr Moshoeshoe appealed to Basotho to always bear in mind that HIV exists, urging everybody to do all they can to prevent it.
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