What worked in Cuba: possible prevention strategies to be adopted by Lesotho in the fight against mother to child transmission

Katiso S. Sehlabane, National University of Lesotho

World Health Organization validated Cuba as the first country in the world that has successfully eliminated mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV and syphilis. While Lesotho continues to lag behind in this regard, this paper attempts to unveil the strategies that were utilised by Cuba in the prevention of mother to child transmission and how the former can adopt such strategies to successfully eradicate MTCT. This study will employ a qualitative approach and data will be gathered using interview guide. Key informants include the Ministry of Health personnel in Lesotho and non-governmental organisations dealing with PMTCT programs. Data obtained will be then analysed using thematic analysis. Secondary data from various sources including United Nations and World Health Organisation reports on HIV and AIDS and reports on Millennium Development Goals progress will also be used, hence desk research. The study assumes that the strategies used by Cuba can succeed to massively reduce MTCT in Lesotho.