Lesotho
CRS has started a farming project that helps families supporting orphans feed the children in their care. Photo by David Snyder for CRS
Lesotho is a small country surrounded by the country of South Africa. Although it only has a population of around 2 million, Lesotho has the third-highest HIV prevalence rate in the world. As a result, the number of orphaned children continues to rise and outpace communities' ability to care for them. Chronic poor harvests and high prices have left most people struggling to grow or buy enough food. Catholic Relief Services works with the Catholic Church of Lesotho to help address these issues.
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Stats
| Population: | 2,130,819 |
| Size: | 11,720 sq mi; slightly smaller than Maryland |
| People Served: | 186,622 (2011 est.) |
History
Since 2002, Catholic Relief Services and the Lesotho Catholic Bishops' Conference have worked closely to address the food and nutritional needs of communities in Lesotho and to increase opportunities for households to support themselves. From the start, CRS and the Catholic Church have responded to frequent droughts and resulting food shortages. CRS also supports partners as they help communities reduce the impact of HIV.
Partners
Lesotho's National AIDS Commission is responsible for all programs controlling HIV and AIDS across the country. Catholic Relief Services receives funding from the commission for the Mountain Orphan and Vulnerable Children's Empowerment project. CRS and the National AIDS Commission also collaborate on HIV prevention programming.
Programs
AgricultureHIV and AIDS
Safety Net
Food Security
