Edinburgh Napier University

  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antiretroviral therapy programme in primary health care setting in Lesotho. Mixed methods research using a convergent parallel design was used to collect data. Registered nurses, midwives, nurse clinicians and adults aged 18 years and older who were HIV/AIDS positive were included in the study. SPSS (23) and constant comparison analysis were used to analyse data. Majority of PHC facilities were staffed by registered nurse midwives and nurse clinicians who were qualified and competent in the execution of duties. A large number of patients sought ART services which were offered on a weekly basis although there was variation in the actual number of days the services were provided. Time patients spent seeking ART services varied across districts whilst ARVs and other drugs were usually available. Challenges in ART services delivery included unsatisfactory staffing resulting in the provision of inadequate services and work overload, lack of knowledge of some patients on ART, too many partners involved in the programme, inadequate documentary evidence and stigma pertaining to the HIV status of individuals. Dissatisfaction in the programme was alluded to poor staffing patterns, lack of continued, consistent in-service training and support, poor salaries, and that ARVs purported hunger. Partners assisting the government must be monitored to avoid duplication of efforts and more education be instigated to prevent individuals infected testing more than once. Regular monitoring and evaluation of ART programme to enable timely reviews and improve service delivery is vital.