Cuts have threatened people with HIV in Lesotho

A underfinanced health care system means that people with HIV / AIDS Lesotho often do not get adequate treatment . Now , the lack of international funding could signal the end of the scheme ' expert patients ' success .Patients waiting for a hospital in Lesotho Mamahou
Peeling , heart-shaped sticker on the frosted glass doors at the entrance to the hospital Mamohau bring a striking message : ' . AIDS kills ' is located some 2,200 meters ( 7,500 feet ) above sea level in the mountains of Lesotho Maloti , small hospitals and community clinics serving more than 70,000 people . Many of those who traveled from all over the highlands to the hospital with HIV .Reaching patients in the rough , inhospitable parts of South Africa is almost impossible - or , at least it was before the ' expert patient ' scheme began .AIDS epidemicApproximately half of the patients Lesotho experts directly funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS , Tuberculosis and Malaria . Now , due to lack of contributions from donor countries , the support of the Global Fund for expert patient program is being reduced . Compared to 2013 levels , spending on the program would be down 30 percent this year , and 20 percent in 2015 said Indira Govender , Deputy Medical Co - ordinator for Doctors Without Borders in South Africa and Lesotho .
Development might lead to further problems for already struggling nation 's health care system . Lesotho has the third highest HIV rate in the world . 23 percent of people between the ages of 15 and 49 are infected , according to the state Ministry of Health and Social Welfare . Among those aged 30 to 34 , the rate increased to 40 percent . Often patients are not getting the care they need because of the lack of doctors and facilities .This situation is replicated in Lesotho . According to data from Doctors Without Borders , only six of 171 health centers in Lesotho comply with minimum staffing requirements . Only 89 doctors and nurses serving 1,123 population of about 2 million people in an area half the size of Ireland .aidePatients have helped to fill the gap between medical professionals and their patients . They often play a key role in getting patients to adhere to their treatment and ensure that patients maintain a healthy diet , without medication they are not effective . They also help basic administrative tasks and are expected to provide therapeutic counseling , facilitating support groups and help nurses .They also act as a cultural go -betweens . Most of the medical staff in Lesotho are from other African countries such as Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo , as the country has no medical training . In a country where most of the doctors and nurses do not speak the local language , patient experts provide the vital link between health services and the local community .


 patient experts have helped to overcome some of the stigma still attached to HIV and AIDS , but warned that they can not save the health care system ill Lesotho . Expert Patients do not have a lot of skill , and that is where professional counselors are required , Kasonga said spending money in a mobile clinic would be a better investment .But with new funding cuts this year and next , the future of expert patient program in doubt .Lesotho will be expected to provide financing or they will have to find another plan for these workers ,