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"Monumental crises" - HIV/AIDS and famine

    JOHANNESBURG

    HIV/AIDS is exacerbating food shortages in Lesotho, despite international aid over the past six months, a senior UN official ssaid on Thursday.

    "It is clear, especially with the likelihood of another poor harvest and the astronomical HIV/AIDS level, that we have an enormous battle ahead," UN World Food Programme chief executive, James T. Morris said in a statement.

    Morris said the gravity of the two "monumental crises" converging across southern Africa had prompted the addition of UN special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, Stephen Lewis, to accompany him on his visit to the region.

    "HIV/AIDS is destroying the lives and livelihoods of thousands of people across Lesotho and is threatening society as a whole," said Lewis.

    Morris will also tour Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi in coming days.

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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