CARE in Lesotho

CARE began work in Lesotho in 1968 when the government requested international assistance to help drought victims. During the next two decades CARE improved water supplies, trained people so they can establish rural businesses, and helped improve forestry and agriculture with new technology.

In Lesotho we:

fight HIV and AIDS
provide access to clean water and sanitation
improve agriculture, for example teaching farmers new farming techniques

CARE in action:

Making vital links
One of the most important things we do in Lesotho is create links between the government and local non-governmental organisations (NGO’s), such as charities and community groups, so that they can work together to solve the causes of poverty.

As a member of local NGO networks such as the Lesotho Council of NGOs, we are able to put small NGOs with skills and knowledge of underlying causes of poverty into contact with Government departments.

Fighting HIV and AIDS
Lesotho has the third highest HIV infection rate in the world – it is estimated that one in three adults live with the virus. This high HIV and AIDS prevalence has lead to higher morbidity and mortality rates further entrenching poverty.

Migratory workers - such as truck drivers - are among the most vulnerable to the spread of HIV as they travel between South Africa and Lesotho and are often away from home for long periods. We tackle the problem by educating truck drivers and sex workers about the spread of HIV and how to protect themselves.