Lesotho Factsheet
Lesotho Factsheet
Lesotho Factsheet
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Lesotho has been collaborating with the Ministry
of Health (MOH) and implementing partners since 2007 to support improvement in public health policies,
services, and capacity development. CDC plays a pivotal role in the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS
Relief (PEPFAR) program in Lesotho; in collaboration with other U.S. government agencies and implementing
partners, CDC signed the PEPFAR Partnership Framework with the government of Lesotho in 2009. This
document guides the implementation of PEPFAR funding in Lesotho. CDC’s work focuses on HIV counseling and
testing, HIV treatment, laboratory services, and strategic information. CDC initiatives have improved access to
HIV treatment, bolstered prevention efforts, and strengthened health systems.
CDC STAFF
4 U.S. Assignees
5 Locally Employed Staff
Lesotho
1 Contractor
1 ASPPH Fellow
AT A GLANCE
Population: 1,924,381
Per capita income: $3,260 HIV/AIDS
Life expectancy at birth: W 46/M 43 yrs In Lesotho 24.6% of the population between 15-49 years old is infected
Infant mortality rate: 59/1,000 live births with HIV. The government of Lesotho adopted universal treatment
of persons with HIV (Test and Start) in April 2016. The country is
TOP 10 CAUSES OF DEATH committed to achieving the UNAIDS goal of 90-90-90 by 2020 (90% of
all people living with HIV will know their HIV status, 90% of all people
1. HIV/AIDS & TB with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained treatment, and 90%
2. Cardiovascular diseases of all people receiving treatment will have viral load suppression).
3. Diarrheal diseases
4. Neoplasms Through PEPFAR, the CDC Lesotho office provides assistance to help
5. Neonatal disorders the MOH implement an effective national HIV program. This has
6. Diabetes/urological/blood/ contributed to saving the lives of men, women, and children through
endocrine disorders HIV treatment and a comprehensive combination prevention strategy.
7. Self-harm & violence Using a data-driven approach, this strategy is tailored to the unique
8. Chronic respiratory diseases characteristics of the epidemic in Lesotho for maximum health impact.
9. Transport injuries
Source: Population Reference Bureau Fact Sheet, 2015
Source: GBD Compare (http://viz.healthmetricsandevaluation.org/gbd-compare/), 2015