Ntsoaki Motaung
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) has spotlighted groundbreaking initiatives aimed at engaging adolescents in accessing critical health services, particularly Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
This unveiling occurred at the Paediatric Adolescent Treatment Africa (PATA) 2023 Summit, a synchronized event held across 13 countries, including Lesotho, through 22 in-country satellites.
Addressing the summit, Thabang Rabaholo, Adolescent Priority Population Advisor at EGPAF, emphasised the pivotal role adolescents and young people play in shaping the global future.
Rabaholo underscored the urgent need for tailored healthcare for this demographic, given their increased vulnerability to risky health behaviours, including unsafe sex, alcohol, and drug abuse.
“Lesotho harbours 597,266 adolescents and young people aged 10-24, comprising 300,152 adolescent girls and young women and 297,115 adolescent boys and young men,” Rabaholo stated.
Shocking statistics from UNAIDS Spectrum estimates revealed that out of the 5,300 new HIV infections recorded in 2022, approximately 35.4 percent (1878) were in young people aged 15-24, with nearly 80 percent stemming from adolescent girls.
Furthermore, LePHIA 2020 survey data highlighted an alarming HIV prevalence of 8.5 percent among adolescents aged 15-24.
In response to these challenges, EGPAF has pioneered initiatives like peer support groups, offering spaces for Adolescents and Young People Living with HIV (AYPLHIV) to address their multifaceted needs, spanning psychological, physical, spiritual, and social realms.
Additionally, EGPAF has launched “Operation 4 Zeros,” an ambitious initiative targeting zero viral load, missed doses, stigma and discrimination, and new infections.
Rabaholo expressed concern over persisting challenges faced by AYPLHIV, citing high viral loads, stigma, lack of HIV status disclosure, caregiver challenges, teenage pregnancies, inadequate adolescent-friendly health facilities, and an uptick in new HIV infections despite these interventions.
Luann Hatane from PATA in South Africa underscored the summit’s mission of positioning frontline health providers as key allies in eradicating AIDS in children and adolescents by 2030.
Hatane said the summit aimed to amplify frontline provider experiences, fortify clinic-community collaborations, and offer a platform for real-world solutions amidst global and national commitments.
However, Matšeliso Mohoanyane from the Ministry of Health revealed significant gaps in pediatric and adolescent program data, even though the nation had achieved the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets according to LePHIA 2020.
Mohoanyane said these disparities indicated an urgent need for focused interventions and resources to address critical healthcare gaps among the country’s young population.
Summary
- Addressing the summit, Thabang Rabaholo, Adolescent Priority Population Advisor at EGPAF, emphasised the pivotal role adolescents and young people play in shaping the global future.
- Luann Hatane from PATA in South Africa underscored the summit’s mission of positioning frontline health providers as key allies in eradicating AIDS in children and adolescents by 2030.
- Matšeliso Mohoanyane from the Ministry of Health revealed significant gaps in pediatric and adolescent program data, even though the nation had achieved the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets according to LePHIA 2020.
Welcome to Newsday Media – Your Trusted Source for News and Insights in Lesotho!
At Newsday Media, we are passionate about delivering accurate, timely, and engaging news and multimedia content to our diverse audience. Founded with the vision of revolutionizing the media landscape in Lesotho, we have grown into a leading hybrid media company that blends traditional journalism with innovative digital platforms.
Our mission is simple: to inform, inspire, and empower our readers by providing comprehensive coverage of local and global events, current affairs, and cultural happenings. Whether you’re looking for breaking news, in-depth analysis, or captivating storytelling, Newsday Media is your go-to destination for all things news-related.
With a dedicated team of journalists, editors, and multimedia experts, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity and professionalism. We pride ourselves on delivering content that not only informs but also sparks conversation, fosters understanding, and drives positive change in our society.
From our flagship newspaper to our dynamic digital platforms, we offer a wide range of multimedia content to cater to the diverse interests and preferences of our audience. Whether you prefer to stay informed through print, online articles, videos, or podcasts, Newsday Media has something for everyone.
We believe in the power of storytelling to connect people, bridge divides, and inspire action. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing a platform for voices from all walks of life, championing diversity, inclusion, and authenticity in everything we do.
Thank you for visiting Newsday Media. We invite you to explore our website, engage with our content, and join us on our journey to inform, inspire, and empower our community. Together, let’s shape the future of media in Lesotho.
