Press Releases

U.S Ambassador attends presentation by USG HIV/AIDS team

U.S Ambassador to Lesotho Mrs. June Carter Perry yesterday made remarks at a special presentation on U. S. Government (USG) AIDS programs at the National AIDS Commission (NAC).  The United Nations AIDS Director, other UN representatives and NAC Board Legal Commissioner, Mrs. Seeiso, as well as the NAC Management team participated.  The Ambassador was introduced by NAC/Chief Executive Officer Mr. Keketso Sefeane.  

In her opening remarks, the Ambassador stated that the purpose of the meeting was to provide an update on the U.S Government’s HIV/AIDS Program in Lesotho. She highlighted the tremendous changes that the U.S. Government program has undergone in the past years and will continue to undergo in the next six months. Ambassador Perry highlighted the USG budget’s increase in Lesotho from just under $3 million in FY04 to about $8.5 million in FY07.

Before introducing U.S. Government (USG) HIV/AIDS Coordinator Ms. Joan Atkinson, Ambassador Perry pointed out that the HIV/AIDS program in Lesotho is part of the global President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program.  The pending Millennium Challenge Account program (MCA) will have four sectoral components, the largest of these being in the Health Sector.  She emphasized the partnership of U.S. programs with Lesotho’s and called for full support of the Government of Lesotho’s goals in the health sector by all partners, national and international.  

The objective of the meeting was to update the National AIDS Commission (NAC) and the UN on USG activities in Lesotho, to increase understanding of the way PEPFAR operates locally and globally, and to provide an opportunity for NAC, the UN Organizations, and the USG to improve communications and program linkages.

For further information, please contact the Public Affairs section of the U.S. Embassy at 22-312-666.