Introduction to the Center

It is assumed that over 50% of Lesotho’s entire population is HIV-positive. The accepted figure is estimated at 32%, based on a study of HIV-positive women who had given birth at Lesotho hospitals. However, the majority of births in Lesotho are not hospital-based, and the study did not include the percentage of infected children born at Lesotho hospitals by the HIV-positive mothers in the study. A study of Lesotho’s young female population, aged 17-24, produced an HIV-positive infection rate of 51%. Within this age group, according to a United Nations survey, a healthy girl who turned 18 had a 74% chance of contracting the virus before she turns 45.

Sexual activity is but one source of HIV/AIDS infection; Basotho people are widowed, orphaned, and entire families are decimated by HIV/AIDS due to a lack of HIV-prevention education and AIDS care-giving training and supplies. The hospital system in Lesotho is unable to adequately address the large volume of AIDS cases. Hospital care is not an option for most patients; in addition to the prohibitive travel logistics and hospital expense, being cared for at home is the cultural norm. Regardless of the source of infection, the stigma and discrimination of HIV/AIDS is felt throughout the country. It is St. Camillus Center’s mission to help these people infected and affected by the AIDS epidemic.

The Center takes a multi-faceted approach to dealing with HIV/AIDS. Everyone associated with the Center is a member of the St. Camillus Support Group, from home-based caregivers, orphans, and patients, to those volunteers who make the Center possible. The Center assists over 39 villages within the Mohale’s Hoek district with one or more of the following:
· Training and support of home-based caregivers
· Formation of satellite support groups in each of the 39 villages
· Medical supplies for the home-based care kits
· Cultivation of a large scale garden for orphans, patients, and surplus profit
· Education of good nutrition and sound agricultural techniques
· Workshops in self reliance and crafts
· Counseling for those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS
· Clothing and food for orphans
· Education on the human rights of orphans and people living with HIV/AIDS
· In-school and out-of-school youth workshops educating on HIV/AIDS prevention and care, life skills, and self-reliance skills.
· A central location for people to come and seek education or counseling

Through cooperation and support from the following people and groups, the Center is succeeding in its mission against HIV/AIDS:
· Sisters of the Congregation of the Holy Cross
· Irish Aid
· His Lordship Bishop Sebastian Khoarai OMI
· Christian Council of Lesotho
· District Secretary of Mohale’s Hoek
· National AIDS Commission
· Lesotho Planned Parenthood
· Private Doctors Manamolela & Monyamane
· United States Peace Corps Volunteers: Weej Mudge, Zoe Malley, and Maria Steele
· Chiefs in villages and Local Government Community Counselors

Together we can overcome this problem facing our country. Remember, “The lover of his neighbor is the lover of his nation”. If you would like to help, please refer to the appendix of this album for how you can assist the Center achieve its mission.
God Bless you!