The role of the private sector in HIV and AIDS interventions in developing countries: the case of Lesotho

This chapter assesses the extent to which PSCAAL's activities enhanced HIV and AIDS knowledge and behaviour changes among the female textile workers. The differences between workers who participated in the peer education programme (PEP) and those who did not participate are examined in terms of: (1) knowledge of HIV and AIDS; (2) preventive behaviour measured as uptake of HIV testing and consistent condom use; (3) attitudes towards HIV; and (4) level of self-efficacy in relation to HIV prevention. The opportunities which PSCAAL could have lost through their programming are also explored and recommendations for more effective private sector engagement in sub-Saharan Africa are given. Unlike previous studies that generally used secondary data to explore these issues, this current study obtained empirical data from workers themselves, and obtained their perspectives on the factors that increase their vulnerability to HIV and the suitability of available support and services.