THE KINGDOM OF LESOTHO COMBINED SECOND TO EIGHTH PERIODIC REPORT UNDER THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS AND INITIAL REPORT UNDER THE PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN AFRICA remove all limitations on eligibility for antiretroviral therapy (ART) and recommend that anyone infected with HIV should begin ART as soon after diagnosis as possible.  Revised Action Plan for Women and Girls and HIV and AIDS 2012-2016  National Strategic Development Plan 2012/2O13-2016/2017 outlines strategic objectives and actions as reduction of new I infections through intensification of HIV prevention and integration with treatment, increase of coverage and quality of treatment, care and support services and facilities and Improvement of institutional effectiveness and co-ordination. The Plan addresses issues of access to health care services, particularly in the area of HIV/AIDS and ARVs.  National Behaviour Change Communication Strategy (2008-2013): The increase and spread of HIV and AIDS in Lesotho is associated with a range of driving factors that are cultural, traditional, behavioural, socio-economic and biological. The behavioural change strategy is meant to engage a multi-sectoral approach that will reduce the sexual transmission of HIV through promotion of responsible practices. It is aimed at encouraging behaviour change and risky sexual behaviors, which have been identified as driving factors for increase and spread of HIV in Lesotho.  The National Guidelines for the Prevention of Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission Mother to Child Transmission (MTCT) of HIV is by far the main source of HIV infection in children. UNAIDS estimates that more than 90% of children acquire HIV through MTCT during pregnancy, labour, delivery and breast feeding. Since a significant proportion of HIV infected infants die in the first year of life, Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV services provide an opportunity for securing Lesotho’s posterity. The National Guidelines for Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV which promote a four pronged approach consisting of: (i) Primary prevention of HIV infections among women of child-bearing age; (ii) Prevention of unintended pregnancies among HIV infected women; (iii) Prevention of HIV transmission from infected mothers to their children (iv) Provision of continuous care, treatment and support for infected mothers, their partners and children. 160