Billy Ntaote
The Democratic Congress (DC) Youth League will today hold various activities in Maseru to commemorate World AIDS Day.
The activities start with a march from the party’s offices at Puma House to Pitso Ground, where a number of activities would be held. Party leader and Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili, is expected to give the keynote address to mark this sombre occasion.
World AIDS Day commemorations have taken place on 1 December every year since 1988 and seek to raise awareness about the threat posed by HIV/AIDS.
The event is also a platform to remember those died as a result of the disease, show solidarity with people living with HIV, celebrate survival and health, and raise funds for HIV and related causes. HIV weakens a person’s immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection. No effective cure exists for HIV, but with proper medical care, the virus can be controlled.
Lesotho has the second highest HIV-prevalence in the world at 23 percent. Swaziland leads the prevalence at 26 percent while Botswana is third at 19 percent.
According to the League’s Secretary General Chafotsa Letuka, today’s event starts “early in the morning” and in addition to Dr Mosisili, would also be attended by the party’s national executive and DC cabinet ministers.
Chafotsa also said a Pitsong Institute of Research official would present a paper on Lesotho’s HIV and AIDS issues during today’s event.
“We are commemorating World AIDS Day as we, the youths, are the most affected and infected by the disease. Other key activities at the end of the fun walk would be a speech by our leader, Dr Mosisili. Our youth leader, Thuso Litjobo, will also address us at this very important event,” Chafotsa said.
“Members of the league would also be taking this event as our end-of-year celebration and use the occasion to launch our action plan for the coming year.”
Chafotsa also said there would be voluntary HIV-testing and counselling at today’s event. Blood donations could also be made at today’s commemoration, Chafotsa added.
ABOUT HIV and AIDS
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is spread through body fluids that affect specific cells of the immune system, called CD4 cells, or T cells. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can’t fight off infections and disease. When this happens, HIV infection leads to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
HIV Transmission
Having unprotected sex (sex without a condom) with someone who has HIV; sharing needles, syringes or other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs with someone who has HIV; a mother infected with HIV can pass the virus to her baby via her blood during pregnancy and birth, and through breastfeeding; also known as ‘occupational exposure’, healthcare workers are at risk of HIV from cuts made by a needle or sharp object with infected blood on it; receiving blood transfusions, blood products, or organ/tissue transplants that are contaminated with HIV.