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.