Lesotho

Drought, poor harvest and the fourth highest HIV and AIDS infection rate in the world have placed Lesotho in the midst of a complex emergency.

Catholic Relief Services is committed to helping the Basotho people respond to the combined effects of the food crisis and HIV and AIDS. In partnership with the local Catholic Church and other like-minded organizations our programs aim to relieve immediate humanitarian needs and to develop local capacity to address the ongoing pandemic and future crises.

One of the most critical tasks is to support the church in its efforts to design interventions to address humanitarian needs both created and exacerbated by the high incidence of HIV and AIDS. Currently one third of the population is infected with HIV and the epidemic is severely straining support systems and overwhelming coping mechanisms. The Basotho's nutritional status has been worsened by the food crisis, and morbidity and mortality rates related to HIV and AIDS have increased.

The effect of HIV on children is particularly poignant. In Lesotho HIV targets people 18-35, striking down the most productive individuals in the prime of their lives and depleting the country's capacity to respond to and recover from crisis. Children are taken from school either to take care of sick family members or to assume responsibility for supporting their households once their parents have died. The resulting trauma is severe.

For those lucky enough not to live in an HIV-affected household, the pandemic is having a devastating affect on the country's future. On average six teachers a week die from HIV and AIDS, steadily eroding the education system and shrinking future opportunities for children. The situation is so severe that some have spoken of the extinction of the Basotho people barring drastic action.

Activities in Lesotho must be multi-faceted, guaranteeing that basic needs are met while ensuring that the dignity and rights of those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS are protected.