Aletta Matopollo Monyake

Performance of Community Lay Counselors: Hiv Prevention and Care in Lesotho Aletta Matopollo Monyake

An increasing number of people are being infected and re-infected with the HIV virus in Lesotho, This stimulated an inquiring of training provided to community lay counselors. The study examined how community lay counselors viewed their training methods and their subsequent approaches towards assisting Basotho in their fight against HIV/AIDS. The inquiry explored the counselors' challenges and requirements of their task to encourage HIV testing, reduce stigma and discrimination and to promote self and social acceptance and adherence to treatment. The study compared training and counseling practices of Basotho lay counselors with the theoretical concepts of counseling and training. It paid particular attention to cultural issues that influenced counseling practices and clients' participation. This study can help counselors to tailor counseling to meet interests and attitudes of clients. Policy makers can decide to review HIV/AIDS policies to improve community's participation in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic.