Maseru— For many communities in Lesotho, especially those in remote mountain districts, access to vaccines has long been limited by distance, infrastructure, and resources. Strengthening immunization services has therefore become a national priority, one that aims to ensure every child, adolescent, and adult can be protected against vaccine-preventable diseases. Against this backdrop, the Ministry of Health, with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, has validated two landmark documents: the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Policy and the National Immunization Strategy (NIS) 2026–2030. The milestone marks a major step toward more resilient health systems and a country where no one is left behind with immunization.
The EPI Policy provides national guidance for the standardized implementation of immunization programme, making concrete steps towards equitable access to vaccines and aligning with Lesotho's National Health Policy. It lays the foundation for consistency in vaccine delivery and reinforces immunization as a cornerstone of primary health care. The NIS 2026–2030 builds on this foundation, offering a framework for strengthening immunization systems, integrating them with broader health interventions, and advancing long-term health goals. Anchored in WHO's Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030), the strategy emphasizes reaching zero-dose and under-immunized children and under-served populations, addressing gender-related barriers, and embedding immunization within resilient health systems.
Globally, WHO's Expanded Programme on Immunization, launched in 1974, has grown into one of the most impactful public health initiatives in history. Initially targeting six childhood diseases, it now covers 13 universally recommended vaccines, including measles, polio, HPV, rotavirus, pneumococcal disease, and COVID-19. Over five decades, EPI has saved more than 154 million lives worldwide, with measles vaccination alone preventing nearly 94 million deaths. The NIS framework was developed for countries to translate global immunization goals into national priorities, offering a ten-year vision, built around five-year objectives centered on equity, sustainability, and integration with wider health systems.
"For Lesotho, the NIS 2026–2030 represents a roadmap to strengthen immunization services while aligning with IA2030's vision of leaving no one behind," said Ts'episo Mechele, EPI Programme Manager at the Ministry of Health. "This is a turning point for Lesotho. By strengthening the integration of immunization services into broader health systems, we are not only protecting lives today but securing a healthier future for generations to come."
Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Francis Abobo, on behalf of WHO, noted that the validation of the EPI Policy and NIS "reflects Lesotho's determination to align with global standards while tailoring strategies to national realities. These frameworks will ensure that vaccines reach every eligible individual regardless of age, gender, geographic location or socioeconomic status."
Together, the validated policies promise to address barriers to access and ensure equitable immunization services for underserved populations. Lesotho now has a unified roadmap to strengthen its immunization systems, build resilience into its health infrastructure, and ensure that no Basotho is left behind with immunization.
