Partners In Health (PIH) has announced that seven of its rural initiative sites in Lesotho recorded zero percent mother-to-child HIV transmission during the 2025 fiscal year.
According to the organisation, all 76 infants born to mothers living with HIV at the supported sites tested negative for the virus.
PIH attributes the outcome to its “5S Model,” a strategy focused on strengthening staff, supplies, space, systems and social support within rural health facilities. The model ensures clinics are staffed with trained nurses and counsellors who provide ongoing guidance to expectant mothers.
The facilities are also equipped with prenatal starter packs and multi-month supplies of antiretroviral medication, reducing the need for frequent travel to health centres. This is particularly important in remote areas where access to healthcare can be difficult.
A key component of the programme is the establishment of maternal waiting homes at rural clinics. These homes allow expectant mothers to stay near medical facilities from 36 weeks of pregnancy until delivery.
“While staying at these homes, women receive nutritious meals and support to ensure they take their medication correctly. This care continues after birth, with staff providing demonstrations on safe breastfeeding and monitoring both mother and baby during postnatal visits,” PIH said in a statement.
The organisation added that digital tracking systems are used to monitor treatment adherence. Health workers compare electronic records with paper files to ensure continuity of care. In cases where mothers are unable to reach clinics, staff travel to remote villages, sometimes by horseback, to deliver medication and provide follow-up support.
Nationally, Lesotho has made progress in reducing mother-to-child HIV transmission. The 2023–24 Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS), released in late 2024, shows transmission rates have fallen to below five percent.
However, the survey indicates ongoing health challenges. The maternal mortality ratio stands at 530 deaths per 100,000 live births. Infant mortality is recorded at 39 deaths per 1,000 live births, down from 62 in 2018. Neonatal mortality stands at 26 per 1,000 live births, while under-five mortality is 54 per 1,000 live births.
The report also notes that 86 percent of women now deliver in health facilities and 82 percent attend at least four antenatal care visits.
PIH’s zero-transmission result at its seven rural sites exceeds the national average and highlights the impact of targeted interventions in preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission.
Summary
- According to the organisation, all 76 infants born to mothers living with HIV at the supported sites tested negative for the virus.
- PIH attributes the outcome to its “5S Model,” a strategy focused on strengthening staff, supplies, space, systems and social support within rural health facilities.
- PIH’s zero-transmission result at its seven rural sites exceeds the national average and highlights the impact of targeted interventions in preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission.
Ntsoaki Motaung is an award-winning health journalist from Lesotho, specializing in community health stories with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as HIV. She has contributed to platforms like “Be in the KNOW,” highlighting issues such as the exclusion of people with disabilities from HIV prevention efforts in Lesotho.
In addition to her journalism, Ntsoaki serves as the Country Coordinator for the Regional Media Action Plan Support Network (REMAPSEN). She is also a 2023 CPHIA Journalism Fellow.
