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13 November 2008
AIDS and has been declared the number
one MDG for Lesotho by his Majesty, King Letsie III. With a
prevalence rate of 23.2 amongst the adult population, the disease is
truly challenging development in the Mountain Kingdom and its impact
can be found at all levels.
UNDP supported and participated in an
All Leaders Forum on AIDS where critical results of a number of
studies related to the epidemic where presented and discussed with
religious leaders, traditional leaders from different districts
including rural areas, leaders from CSOs and FBOs, leaders from
Government and opposition parties and leaders from development
partners.
Topics that were presented and
discussed include Male Circumcision, Multiple Concurrent
Partnerships and Human Rights and Stigma related to People living
with HIV & AIDS. All presentations were backed by data from
extensive research recently conducted of the situation in Lesotho.
This helped focus the discussions and ensure an evidence-based
debate on these topics.
The forum proved very successful as
controversial topics were discussed in an open and transparent
manners throughout all levels of leadership. As such, the forum
helped disseminate critical information and strategies to help
address issues such as behavioural changes required to reduce the
prevalence of AIDS in the country.
UNDP is currently supporting the
development of the report of the forum which will include a roadmap
for implementation of the recommendations and guidance that resulted
from the forum discussions.
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