WHO warns of potential HIV treatment defaults in Lesotho
---Amid USAID withdrawal
‘Mathatisi Sebusi
Lesotho is at risk of widespread treatment defaults among its estimated 240,000 HIV patients, the World Health Organization (WHO) in Lesotho warned on Friday.
This dire situation is a result of major disruptions to #HIV and tuberculosis response services following the suspension of most USAID-funded projects in the country.
The withdrawal of #USAID support has already led to the termination of 804 health worker positions, with more job losses expected.
While the #Lesotho government procures 80% of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, other critical services like ARV distribution, viral load testing, counselling, and contact tracing - previously funded by the U.S. - have now been halted.
According to #UNAIDS, only 28% of previous #PEPFAR support to Lesotho has resumed, with 32% still paused and 40% permanently terminated.
The #WHO emphasized that even if #ARV supplies remain available, the lack of essential healthcare services will leave many patients unable to access the necessary treatment, making the situation nearly as dire as a complete drug shortage.
The #WHO clarified that Lesotho is not facing an imminent ARV stock-out, but the country has already reported disruptions to broader #HIV services, including access to testing, initiation of new ARV treatment, and continuation of stabilized regimens since as early as March.
The organization characterized this as a rapidly evolving situation, with countries working to find solutions amid quickly changing conditions on the ground.
The WHO's warning comes on the heels of a statement by the Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, that up to eight countries, including Lesotho, could soon face HIV drug shortages due to the U.S. government's decision to pause foreign aid.
He cautioned that such disruptions could undo 20 years of progress in the global HIV response, leading to over 10 million new infections and 3 million additional deaths.