The Reporter - Lesotho

Condoms prevent most sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) prevents HIV but not other sexually transmitted infections. Choose both for maximum protection!

Monitoring of the Peacebuilding Fund project is underway in Mokhotlong (Lehlohla and Matsoaing), with early results showing stronger community policing, improved collaboration between police and CPCs, and greater respect for human rights.

In Lesotho, more than eight in 10 citizens (85%) say the police and courts need to do more to protect women and girls against discrimination and harassment. Head over to our website to read more: bit.ly/4t7ESc3 #VoicesAfrica #Lesotho #GenderEquality #SDG5

Do you remember when you joined X? I do! #MyXAnniversary

𝗟𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗼 𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝘂𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 To mark World TB Day, the World Health Organization supported the Ministry of Health in launching rapid, community-led tuberculosis (TB) screening campaigns across all districts. Guided by the global theme “Yes! We Can End TB: Led by countries, powered by people,” the initiative brought residents together for free testing, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to early detection, treatment, and reducing TB-related morbidity and mortality. At St James Health Centre in Mafeteng and other facilities nationwide, health workers carried out community mobilization and sensitization exercises, encouraging people to come forward for free screening. A public health nurse at the Mafeteng centre, Lepolesa Mpholo, emphasized the importance of the activity, noting that screenings are vital in reducing transmission and protecting families. “This service is free, and we encourage everyone to take part so that no one is left behind in the fight against TB,” he said. The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for urgent action to accelerate TB control, spotlighting new diagnostic innovations that promise faster, cheaper, and more accessible testing. These include portable, battery-powered devices that deliver results in under an hour, tongue swab sampling for patients unable to produce sputum, and sputum pooling strategies that reduce costs and increase efficiency. The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Yakub Janabi, highlighted the significant progress already made in the region: “Between 2015 and 2024, TB deaths declined by 46%, and TB incidence fell by 28%. Several countries have reached key global milestones: South Africa met the 2025 target for reducing TB incidence, while Mozambique, Tanzania, Togo, and Zambia achieved a 75% reduction in TB deaths.” He further noted the impact of new treatments: “Rapid diagnostic technologies are being scaled up, and shorter, more effective six-month all-oral treatment regimens are transforming outcomes for people with drug-resistant TB. The revolutionary six-month all-oral BPaLM regimen has achieved success rates exceeding 85%, with the African Region leading the global uptake. Between 2023 and 2024, the proportion of drug-resistant patients receiving six-month regimens surged from almost zero to about 40%, the fastest adoption rate of any WHO region. This progress demonstrates that determined leadership, strengthened health systems, and community engagement can deliver measurable results.” TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, claiming more than 3,300 lives daily. While global efforts have saved an estimated 83 million lives since 2000, WHO warns that funding cuts and slow uptake of rapid diagnostics threaten progress. Lesotho’s grassroots efforts, such as the community-led TB screening, reflect the country’s determination to confront TB head-on. WHO continues to urge governments worldwide to prioritize TB as a central pillar of health security and universal health coverage, while also investing in research and innovation, including vaccine development through the TB Vaccine Accelerator Council. #WorldTBDay #EndTB #HealthForAll

🫁 Today is World Tuberculosis (TB) Day. 💪🏾 The theme this year is “Yes! We can end TB.” *Did you know?* 📉 Since 2015, there has been a 29% drop in TB deaths, but over 1.23 million people still died of TB in 2024. 💡 The number of TB cases and deaths can continue to drop. *Here’s what you can do:* ✅ Educate yourself on TB causes, symptoms and prevention. ✅ If you think you have TB, get tested, get treated. ✅ Don’t believe in myths or misinformation. ✅ Stand up against TB stigma and discrimination. Learn more about the campaign ➡️ bit.ly/3PF3xpX

The handover ceremony, held on Friday, marked the end of a nationwide promotion that rewarded customers with various prizes, including televisions, airtime, cash and cars.

@econetlesotho has concluded its Hoa Khonahala campaign with the handover of the final of three Toyota Starlet vehicles to a Ha Abia resident, Nthati Sephaka.

Tuberculosis is curable! Test and treat today. #EndTB

The six-month programme, which began on Friday, brings together 60 selected enterprises identified as the most innovative and promising during competitive pitch sessions held on February 19, 2026.

The Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion Programme Entrepreneurship Hub and Seed Financing Facility has commenced its onboarding session for the fifth cycle of its incubation programme.

The initiative also addresses challenges such as low voter turnout and the limited inclusion of marginalised groups observed during the 2022 elections.

The Independent Electoral Commission has come up with a new strategy that seeks to improve voter registration systems, promote civic education, and enhance electoral transparency and accountability.

UNDP was proud to support the launch of #ReBontseLesotho and #PhotoBank Lehakoe, showcasing Lesotho’s beauty & investment potential through a dynamic digital platform. An innovative photo booth was also unveiled to offer an immersive experience for tourists & investors.

The Inclusive Lesotho Project, supported by the @EUinLesotho & UNDP, hosted a Voter Registration Strategy validation meeting, taking a key step toward more transparent, inclusive, and trustworthy elections in Lesotho.

𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗼 Health workers are the backbone of every health system, and their safety, dignity, and protection are essential for delivering quality care. This week, the World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting the Ministry of Health in Lesotho to integrate Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH) into the country’s new Safety and Protection Guideline for Health Workers. During the working session, the team identified key risks faced by health workers, reviewed existing gaps, and proposed practical measures to strengthen accountability and safeguard staff. These include: ✅ Clear PRSEAH reporting and feedback mechanisms ✅ A strengthened Code of Conduct ✅ Disciplinary measures for violations ✅ Alignment with global PRSEAH standards Retselisitsoe Makhetha, Quality Assurance Manager for Patient Safety at the Ministry of Health, emphasized: “While the previous guideline focused primarily on preventive measures for COVID 19, the new guideline takes a broader approach, encompassing Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH), mental health, occupational safety, HRH, and other critical areas to safeguard health workers.” WHO remains committed to supporting the Ministry of Health in building a stronger, safer, and more accountable health workforce. This collaboration represents a significant achievement in ensuring that health workers in Lesotho can carry out their vital roles in environments that are safe, respectful, and fully protected from exploitation, abuse, and harassment. #HealthForAll

[NOTICE]

The circular was issued by the Registrar of the High Court, Adv. M.P. Sekoai, and distributed to senior government officials, legal bodies, media, and the public.

All cases previously pending before him will now be heard _de novo_ (from the start) by different magistrates. Parties seeking further direction should contact the Chief Magistrate Central’s office.

Senior Resident Magistrate Peter Murenzi has been removed from office after a disciplinary inquiry, as announced in Judiciary External Circular No 02 of 2026 (dated 18 March 2026).