Ground-breaking support in Lesotho

AIDS Ark funding in the hands of a single GP, Dr. Mphu Ramatlapeng, delivered a great response for the first antiretroviral medical programme in the Kingdom of Lesotho. Well connected and extremely energetic, Dr. Mphu showcased the success of the programme to raise international awareness of the plight of her HIV+ compatriots. Within two years of starting the programme, ARVs became freely available to all HIV+ Basotho people and Mphu became Minister of Health and Social Welfare in the kingdom.

As Dr. Mphu Ramatlapeng noted, “In 2002, when no ARVs were available to my Basotho people, AIDS Ark’s support allowed me to start our country’s first ARV treatment programme. Many who would have died are today, not only alive, but also productive, happy and eager to help those who continue to suffer. AIDS Ark has truly been a pioneer of ARV treatment in the Kingdom of Lesotho, and for this, I and my people express our overwhelming gratitude.”