"Outreach services targeting men have been shown to improve men’s health outcomes, especially when they are directed toward clinics designed to address their needs"

The United States, through PEPFAR has from 2004 to 2017 committed more than $70 billion worldwide and over $384 million to the bilateral HIV response in Lesotho. The current PEPFAR program remains committed to scaling up Lesotho’s antiretroviral treatment coverage to reach 95% nationally, commencing self-testing for HIV, and  expanding more efficient and effective testing strategies and treatment modalities, especially for adolescents and men – which includes mobile men’s clinic, dedicated men’s clinics, and adolescent corners.  

Since 2012, PEPFAR has targeted efforts to reduce new HIV infections amongst Basotho who are at substantial risk of acquiring HIV through biomedical interventions.  Over $30 million USD has been directed specifically to these biomedical efforts in the five lowland districts – Maseru, Leribe, Mohale’s Hoek, Mafeteng, and Berea. To date USAID has supported approximately 15,000 voluntary male medical circumcision (VMMC) procedures. While the results have been strong, PEPFAR through our implementing partners has faced challenges.  These challenges include increasing access to services in hard-to-reach areas and providing male friendly services.   

Outreach services targeting men have been shown to improve men’s health outcomes, especially when they are directed toward clinics designed to address their needs.  Mobile clinics exist to meet the needs of hard-to-reach areas and populations. Now through the US government support, the Ministry of Health will roll out three state-of-the-art mobile clinics, specifically for men, to improve access to comprehensive men’s health services, HIV testing for men, VMMC, PrEP, and linkage to antiretroviral therapy (ART) services in their communities. These mobile clinics will greatly increase access to the much needed health services and reach underserved areas. This innovative approach to delivering health services to communities will go a long way to meet the needs of Basotho men wherever they are.