Coming Together to Support and Celebrate OHAfrica

On Thursday, August 17, 2006, over 100 people gathered at a reception to honour the delegation of Lesotho government officials attending the XVI International AIDS Conference in Toronto from August 13–18.

The reception, held at Queen’s Park in Toronto, also celebrated the success of the OHAfrica initiative, which has made significant progress since it began in the southern African kingdom of Lesotho in December 2004.

Hosted by Ontario’s Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, the Honourable George Smitherman, The Change Foundation, and the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA), the event attracted a number of special guests including: Her Excellency, Mots’eoa (Mot-say-oh-ah) Senyane (Sen- yawn-eh), the High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Lesotho; Dr. Limpho Maile, Director of the STI, HIV & AIDS Directorate of Lesotho; OHA Board Members, and many former and current members of the OHAfrica team.

Throughout the reception, guests had the opportunity to meet and mingle while enjoying a slideshow of spectacular photos highlighting the efforts of the OHAfrica team, as well as the every day lives of the people of Lesotho.

Following brief welcoming remarks by Sheila Jarvis, Past Chair of the OHA Board of Directors who served as the event’s “master of ceremonies,” guests were treated to a few brief, thought-provoking speeches by the Honourable George Smitherman; Hilary Short, President and CEO of the OHA; Her Excellency, Mots’eoa Senyane, and Russell Armstrong, the Team Leader for OHAfrica in Lesotho.

Mr. Armstrong’s remarks were particularly moving as he recognized his team for the outstanding work that has been accomplished in Lesotho to date – including the establishment of the first public HIV/AIDS treatment centre in the country, Tšepong Clinic, which means “Place of Hope.” He also spoke a few words in Sesotho, the official language of Lesotho, and led guests in a moving rendition of a traditional Lesotho hymn called “Sefapanong” which means “Place of the Cross.” While the song touched on a very serious subject, its rhythm and tone was one of inspiration and hope for a better way of life for the people of Lesotho.