Beyond research, VICONEL is supporting the development of a national Implementation Network to strengthen Lesotho’s response to HIV drug resistance. This initiative brings together researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and civil society to translate evidence into action.

The Implementation Network focuses on four key areas:

• Improving access to resistance data for healthcare providers, patients, and program managers.

• Establishing a national resistance database to support surveillance and case management.

• Training health workers across Lesotho in the clinical management of drug resistance.

• Raising public awareness through community education and civil society engagement.

By strengthening infrastructure, building capacity, and promoting data-driven care, the Implementation Network aims to ensure that resistance monitoring becomes a routine and responsive part of HIV care in Lesotho.

Funding:

Swiss National Science Foundation, grant number 229223

Project Leads:

Prof. Niklaus Labhardt

Dr. Irene Ayakaka

Dr. Tapiwa Tarumbiswa