Nelly Bassily | December 2, 2013
Lesotho has the world’s highest HIV prevalence and, because of this, average life expectancy in Lesotho is very low – 37 years.
Many people in the country are now able to get antiretroviral therapy. Treatment and drugs are free and HIV-positive people can live longer and healthier lives. But people living with HIV, especially widows and children, often suffer the dual pain of HIV infection and poverty. In response, they often form support groups to tackle common problems.
The Heso Organic and Integrated Therapeutic Centre is one such support group. It aims to empower families and communities by using a holistic and practical community-based approach to care and support. The Centre caters not only to the needs of people impoverished by HIV, but also the nutritional and occupational needs of nearby communities.
This script is a mini-drama based on an interview with the founder and participants of the Heso Organic and Integrated Therapeutic Centre in October 2010.