Lesotho has the third highest adult HIV prevalence in the world, at 23 per cent. The country also has a high maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 490 deaths per 100,000 live births and a significant percentage of maternal deaths are attributed to AIDS-related illnesses. Both the unmet need for family planning (23 per cent) and the teenage pregnancy rate (19 per cent) also remain high. Despite numerous gaps and challenges in the health sector, the Government of Lesotho has demonstrated its commitment to strengthening the capacity of service providers to ensure stronger sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and HIV linkages.
With support from the SRHR (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights) and HIV Linkages Project funded by the European Union, and the Governments of Sweden and Norway, Lesotho has forged critical partnerships with a range of civil society organizations. These partnerships have boosted access to integrated services for highly vulnerable populations and strengthened demand for services within communities.
Data from the LPPA clinic in Lesotho has shown an increase in the uptake of key SRH and HIV services since the start of the project.
