Lesotho News

Berea District—The vibrant community of Mamatebele, located on the outskirts of Berea District, recently came alive with celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI). This pivotal global health initiative, launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1974, has played a crucial role in ensuring equitable access to life-saving vaccines for every child, irrespective of their location or socioeconomic status.

The Multi-Country Assignment Team (MCAT) - South Africa Hub, covering South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Botswana, held a significant retreat from March 6-8, 2024. This event, hosted in South Africa, aimed to strengthen the coordination and operational modalities of MCATs to deliver strategic high-level technical assistance to these countries.

To strengthen the quality of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing services, Lesotho is transitioning to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended Three HIV Test Strategy. The Three Test Strategy is an HIV testing strategy in which a person is diagnosed with HIV after three consecutive reactive tests.

To improve the sensitivity of polio detection and response, the Ministry of Health with technical support from the World Health Organisation(WHO), recently established established Environmental Surveillance(ES) for the country.

To catch up with the unvaccinated (zero-dose), and under-vaccinated children, the Ministry of Health with support from the World Health Organisation, (WHO) implemented a catch-up vaccination campaign from 29 April to 4th May in all 10 districts. The catch-up vaccination campaign recorded a high turnout in many communities with 12,447 children reached with Measles Rubella(MR).

Maseru-To address the delays in detecting and responding to health threats, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recently conducted an event-based surveillance training for 3, 455 community leaders and village health workers in Mohales Hoek, Butha Buthe, Qachas Nek, and Thaba Tseka Districts.

Maseru-13th June 2024, marked a significant milestone in Lesotho’s healthcare history as Maseru District Hospital and Eye Clinic, a specialized hospital equipped with advanced medical equipment and resources designed to provide top-notch healthcare services to the Basotho people, opened its doors to the public.

Message of the Regional Director, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, on World Blood Donor Day

Maseru-Blood transfusion plays a critical role in the provision of lifesaving health care. Vulnerable people, such as mothers during childbirth, under-nourished and malaria-affected children, victims of trauma and accidents, and patients suffering from sickle cell and other chronic diseases, particularly benefit from this care1.