Lesotho (2008)


Lesotho – a small, mountainous nation of 2 million people located entirely within the borders of South Africa – suffers from the third highest rate of HIV infection in the world. Almost one-quarter of the adult population is estimated to be HIV-positive.

During 2008, SELF will again team with Dr. Paul Farmer and Partners In Health, this time to bring the benefits of solar electricity to four rural health clinics in Lesotho, at Lebakeng, N'kau, Bobete, and Nohana. With solar power at work, AIDS treatment at these facilities can begin to shine.

It is estimated that fewer than 20% of those in need of treatment actually have access to health clinic services. Most of those that do have access live in the lowland areas. The remote mountain regions are largely inaccessible, and are home to a significant population of persons with HIV infection. Unlike the lowland areas, many of the mountain regions lack access to even the most basic health services. Partners In Health is working in conjunction with Brigham and Women's Hospital, the Clinton HIV/AIDS initiative and the Ministry of Health to address this emergency situation in the rural areas of Lesotho. The total project cost is estimated at $200,000 — money still to be raised. Please help with a contribution >>

Contact us for project details.