Brief Description

Despite strong political commitment in Lesotho, the voices of people living with HIV & AIDS have been noticeably absent, until recently, and stigma surrounding the disease is strong. A joint UN programme with UNDP, UNAIDS, FAO and WFP has been designed aligned with the National AIDS Strategic Plan (2006-2011) and LENEPWHA’s 5-year Strategic Plan (2006/7-20010/1).

Enhanced coordination and effective implementation will facilitate the greater involvement and empowerment of people living with HIV & AIDS in the following areas:

1. Development of a national GIEPA action plan to ensure implementation of the rights of PLWHAs and associated training of partners on incorporation of GIEPA ideology in activities.
2. Capacity building of the newly established Lesotho Network of People Living with HIV & AIDS (LENEPWHA) in areas of organisational development, and enhance the advocacy skills of members.
3. Increased sustainable employment opportunities addressing food security, livelihood activities, and placement of GIEPA Field Workers in committed partner organisations. Additional resources will be mobilised to expand these activities as the programme is being rolled-out across the country.

This is a joint United Nations programme of support developed to address the involvement and empowerment of People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA). The programme is implemented by the Lesotho Network of People Living with HIV & AIDS (LENEPWHA) and aims at: 1. Developing a national GIEPA Action plan that ensures the rights of PLWHA; 2. Capacity building of the Lesotho Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS, as well as 3) Increasing sustainable employment opportunities addressing food security and livelihoods activities.

Contact:
Mr. Georges van Montfort
Deputy Resident Representative

georges.vanmontfort@undp.org