A mountainous country in the middle of South Africa
Lesotho has the world’s second-highest HIV prevalence rate, with more than a fifth of adults HIV-positive. At the same time, non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and mental disorders are rising rapidly. In remote mountain communities in particular, people have scant access to healthcare.
Lesotho in numbers
SolidarMed in Lesotho
For several decades, SolidarMed has been working to deliver better medical care to Lesotho’s remote mountain communities. Due to the high number of people infected, SolidarMed focuses on HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. At the same time, non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and mental disorders are a growing priority.
Medical care for remote mountain communities
By means of mobile clinics and community health workers, SolidarMed delivers medical care to the remotest communities in the two districts of Butha-Buthe and Mokhotlong, reaching people who would not be able to make the sometimes arduous journey to the nearest health centre. This includes pregnant women and older people.
Combating a high number of diseases
Despite important successes in recent years, the prevalence of HIV/Aids and tuberculosis in Lesotho remains high. At the same time, non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and mental illnesses are on the rise. SolidarMed works closely with health facilities and authorities to improve medical care for patients and provide prevention.
Protecting adolescents
Poverty leads young women in the Mokhotlong District to get involved with older men working in the mines and construction. This results in unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and major psychological stress. SolidarMed improves access to sexual and reproductive services for adolescents and provides psychosocial support through youth centres and awareness campaigns.
