New Programme to Tackle Non-Communicable Diseases in Lesotho

The programme will build on experience in HIV/AIDS chronic disease care to tackle NCDs in Lesotho. (Photo: Christian Heuss / SolidarMed) - Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and high blood pressure are the number one cause of death and disability globally. More than 75% of premature NCD-related deaths occur in lowand middle-income countries. A new programme coordinated by SolidarMed, Swiss TPH and partners in Lesotho aims to tackle NCDs in Lesotho, building on long-term experience in HIV/AIDS chronic disease care. In many sub-Saharan African countries, including Lesotho, NCDs have overtaken infectious diseases as the major burden of disease. Lesotho has successfully managed to reduce HIV transmission and AIDS-related deaths due to a decentralized HIV testing and care strategy. A key attribute of this strategy was the involvement of community health workers (CHWs) to guarantee access of testing and treatment to the rural population.