LESOTHO: Govt to announce universal HIV testing plan

In what is considered a groundbreaking move for African healthcare, Lesotho is to become the first African country to offer HIV tests to its entire population, British newspaper, The Times, reported on Monday.

Jim Yong Kim, director of the World Health Organisation's (WHO) HIV/AIDS department, said he hoped the plan would be a blueprint for other nations hard-hit by the pandemic.

"This will be a major step forward. If we have 80 or 90 percent uptake of testing, which we believe we can, it will be a hugely effective way of reducing the rise in HIV infection. It could have as important an impact as a moderately effective vaccine," said Kim

Government and health officials in the small mountainous kingdom are expected to announce the US $12 million programme later this week.

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[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]