Lesotho, Boleloa Falten, with road and hill in bckground
Photo Credit: THOMASMar08 041When a birthday is the gift
By Greta Thomas
May 21, 2008 - In Lesotho, Boleloa Falten has just turned 30. It’s a milestone birthday in anyone’s book, but for Boleloa it has even more significance.
Back in 1999 when she was 21, Boleloa learned she was HIV positive and that she had just thirty days to live.
Thirty days to live… “Get your affairs in order”, this 21 year old was told. At the time, access to treatment in Lesotho was difficult and expensive. In fact, Boleloa remembers selling her belongings to pay for her life-sustaining medication: “I started with my kitchen unit and my lounge set because somehow I needed to buy the drugs at the time…”
Today, the antiretroviral (ARV) treatment she needs is available and free, and Boleloa is happy and healthy, leading a very productive life in Lesotho.
Earlier this year, Boleloa was appointed National Coordinator of LENEPWHA – the Lesotho Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS. LENEPWHA undertakes a variety of projects from education and prevention programs to launching entrepreneurial ventures which create jobs and income opportunities for its members.
In addition to getting free ARV’s to those who need it, Global Fund and (RED) financing in Lesotho helps fund programs like this one, including those which train healthcare and community workers. And there is plenty of need - Lesotho has a 23% HIV adult prevalence rate with an estimated 270,000 people living with HIV.
Boleloa speaks passionately about her role: “I do not want to see the next person facing what I faced. If I am in a position to change it - let me do it now.”
Happy Birthday Boleloa!
Greta
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"Reproduced with permission - Greta Thomas"
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