To date,  the national  response  to HIV and AIDS has been guided by  the health  sector policy  document  on HIV  and AIDS  and  STD  Prevention  and  Control  of  1998.  This policy  focused  primarily  on  the  health  sector  response  to  the  epidemic.  It  is  now  an accepted principle that HIV and AIDS is not just a health issue but a major development concern,  reversing  the  development  gains  achieved  by  the  country  over  the  past  30 years.  In  view  of  the  need  to  involve  all  stakeholders  in  the  national  response  the country has adopted the multisectoral approach in responding to HIV and AIDS. 

The HIV and AIDS epidemic is one of the most important current global socio-economic and development problems. Unprecedented partnerships have been formed between countries, organisations/ groups and individuals in the attempt to halt the spread of the Human Imrnuno-deficiency virus, and provide care for those who are affected.

Lesotho has one of the highest HIV and AIDS infection and prevalence rates in the world. HIV and AIDS poses one of the greatest challenges for national development, and threatens the very survival of the nation and its attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This realisation caused His Majesty King Letsie III to declare HIV and AIDS a national disaster in the year 2000. The declaration was followed by the adoption of the first National Policy framework for the prevention of HIV and AIDS, as well as a National Strategic Plan for 2000/01-2003/04 in the same year. Based on the Joint Review of the national response and current developments, Government adopted this updated National HIV and AIDS Policy document.

HIV/AIDS is a continuing, critical public health issue. It is now the leading cause of death in Namibia, Africa and the fourth common cause of death worldwide. The HIV/AIDS crisis continues to expand in numbers and extent, without immediate medical solutions in view. HIV/AIDS is not only a health issue, it has socio-economic implications too. Namibia's development depends, to a large extent, on the development of its human capital. Interventions in education should provide the knowledge, and encourage the development of attitudes and skills, with which the spread and impact of the epidemic could be alleviated.

There is no aspect of life that has not directly or indirectly been negatively influenced by the AIDS epidemic. AIDS has become the major cause of illness and death among the young and middle aged adults, depriving households and society of a critical human resource base and thereby reversing the social and economic gains made since independence.