AGP Executive Report

Winter health watch: South Africa confirmed its first winter COVID-19 case, while Lesotho’s Ministry of Health is investigating influenza-like illness reports in seven districts, urging hygiene and care for vulnerable groups. Community services: LEPEU brought services to Mapoteng Resource Centre, including support for workplace disputes and plans to register a Health Sector Bargaining Council to strengthen health and safety for workers. Nutrition push: Lesotho Red Cross and UNICEF partners met district nutrition teams in Leribe to improve how nutrition messages are shared under the Ntlafatsa Bana Project. GBV coordination: Lesotho is calling to revive and strengthen the Anti-GBV Coordination Forum, stressing better coordination so prevention, protection, response and survivor support reach people faster. Water and health risk: Matukeng residents say they still rely on distant streams for washing and drinking, warning that unsafe water fuels disease. Safety in extreme weather: Snow and severe cold are expected in the highlands; the Disaster Management Authority warned against risky travel and highlighted livestock disease precautions. Health-linked fitness concern: The Military Training Institute raised alarms about declining recruits’ physical fitness, linking it to drug use and poor nutrition.

Winter health watch: South Africa confirmed its first winter COVID-19 case, while Lesotho’s Ministry of Health is investigating influenza-like illness reports in seven districts, urging hygiene and care for vulnerable groups. Community nutrition push: Lesotho Red Cross and UNICEF partners met district nutrition teams to strengthen risk communication under the Ntlafatsa Bana Project. Water access crisis: Matukeng residents near Maseru say they still carry water from distant streams despite Lesotho exporting water to South Africa, warning shortages raise disease risk. GBV coordination: Lesotho is calling to revive the Anti-GBV Coordination Forum and improve collaboration across ministries, health services, police, faith groups and communities. Military fitness concerns: Lesotho’s Military Training Institute says recruits are struggling physically, linking it to drug use and poor nutrition, and urging healthier youth lifestyles. Regional safety in healthcare: Health regulators from several African countries, including Lesotho, met in Nairobi to strengthen nuclear and radiation safety systems for medical use. Disaster readiness: Lesotho’s meteorology and Disaster Management Authority warn of snowfall and severe cold in the highlands, advising people to avoid risky travel and protect livestock. Humanitarian rescue: “Mr Lifesaver” rescued stranded patients after an ambulance got stuck in snow at Moteng Pass. Xenophobia spillover: Reports of renewed anti-migrant unrest in South Africa prompted neighbouring countries, including Lesotho, to urge citizens to exercise caution.

Nuclear & Radiation Safety: Health officials from nine countries met in Nairobi to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, with Lesotho among the delegates and plans for a shared action plan to improve preparedness amid disease threats like Ebola. Winter Health & Safety: Lesotho’s Meteorological Services and the Disaster Management Authority warned highland residents to prepare for snowfall and severe cold, advising people to avoid risky travel, protect livestock from disease, and expect icy roads that could disrupt access to essential services. GBV Coordination Push: Lesotho renewed calls to revive the Anti-GBV Coordination Forum, urging better multi-sector teamwork so prevention, protection, response and survivor support reach communities without duplication. Community Nutrition Support: The Lesotho Red Cross Society, with UNICEF, met district nutrition teams to strengthen nutrition messaging through risk communication and community engagement under the Ntlafatsa Bana project. Water Access Strain: In Matukeng near Maseru, women say they still depend on distant streams for washing, bathing and cooking, calling for equitable access to clean, reliable drinking water to prevent disease. Rescue in Severe Weather: “Mr Lifesaver” Clifford Tar rescued stranded patients after an ambulance got stuck in snow at Moteng Pass, prioritising a critically ill pregnant woman and coordinating help with local shepherds. Anti-Migrant Unrest Watch: Reports from South Africa describe xenophobic violence and travel advisories urging regional citizens, including those from Lesotho, to stay vigilant and seek consular help if needed.

GBV Coordination in Lesotho: Senior Gender Officer Ntheka Matono urged Lesotho to revive the Anti-GBV Coordination Forum, saying better coordination among ministries, partners, faith groups and community structures can prevent duplication and improve prevention, protection and survivor support. Community Nutrition Push: Lesotho Red Cross (LRCS) met district nutrition teams in Leribe to strengthen nutrition messages through Risk Communication and Community Engagement, building on the UNICEF-backed Ntlafatsa Bana Project. Water Access Reality in Maseru: In Matukeng, women still wash and cook using water carried from distant streams, with residents demanding equitable access to clean, reliable drinking water despite Lesotho’s “water wealth.” Winter Health & Safety Alert: Lesotho Meteorological Services and the Disaster Management Authority warned highland residents to prepare for snowfall and severe cold, advising people to avoid risky travel and to protect livestock from disease. Nuclear Safety for Healthcare: Health officials from nine African countries met in Nairobi to strengthen safety for nuclear and radiation use in healthcare, aiming for better regulatory capacity and shared action plans. Mental Health Concern (Regional): WHO data highlighted high suicide rates in the region, with Lesotho listed at 36.7 deaths per 100,000. Xenophobia Spillover Warnings: Mozambique and South Africa disputed death tolls from xenophobic attacks in Mossel Bay, while neighbouring countries including Lesotho were urged to caution citizens in South Africa. Elderly Care Gap: Communities in Mazenod appealed for help for a 65-year-old man living alone in an unsafe, dilapidated home.

Gender & Sport: Zimbabwe Olympic Committee launched the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, with Lesotho among 10 National Olympic Committees pushing safer sport, women’s leadership, safeguarding, maternity rights and digital safety. Nutrition & Community Health: Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS) met district nutrition teams in Leribe and Qacha’s Nek with UNICEF support to strengthen nutrition messaging through risk communication and community engagement under the Ntlafatsa Bana project. Winter Health & Safety: Lesotho Meteorological Services and the Disaster Management Authority warned highland residents to prepare for snowfall and severe cold, urging people to avoid risky travel and protect livestock health. Gender-Based Violence Prevention: Lesotho Mounted Police Service held a men’s gathering in Teyateyaneng urging men to prevent violence against women and children, with police citing high rape case numbers and stressing consent and reporting. Mental Health (Regional): WHO data highlighted Lesotho’s suicide rate among the highest in Africa, underscoring the mental health burden in the region. Drought & Adolescents: A Lancet Planetary Health study linked prolonged drought in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Lesotho to a higher risk of violence against adolescents. Identity Access: Home Affairs and Police expanded doorstep ID registration for elderly people and persons with disabilities, noting IDs enable access to services including healthcare. Conservation & Health Link: Conservationists marked 20 years of bearded vulture recovery in KZN, warning poisoning and other threats still endanger the species that lives in Lesotho’s Maloti-Drakensberg region.

Dairy Sector Push: Lesotho’s government and dairy stakeholders met in Maseru to revive the dairy industry, citing underused infrastructure, low milk output and heavy reliance on imports, and called for a practical roadmap through stronger public-private partnerships. Nutrition Support: The Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS), with UNICEF, is strengthening community nutrition messaging in Leribe under the Ntlafatsa Bana project, using risk communication and community engagement to close gaps where impact is not yet visible. Winter Health & Safety: Lesotho’s Meteorological Services and the Disaster Management Authority warned highland residents to prepare for snowfall and severe cold, urging people to avoid risky travel, watch for icy roads, and protect livestock from disease. Gender-Based Violence Prevention: The Lesotho Mounted Police Service held a men’s gathering in Teyateyaneng urging men to change attitudes and report abuse; police cited 897 rape cases recorded in 2025, including 380 involving children. Mental Health Data: WHO data highlighted Lesotho among Africa’s highest suicide rates (36.7 per 100,000), underscoring the mental health burden. Regional Health & Learning: SADC advanced Indigenous Knowledge Systems policy work, while Lesotho’s Queen celebrated her 50th birthday at home and in public messages.

Winter Health Alert: Lesotho Meteorological Services and the Disaster Management Authority warn of snowfall in the highlands from Wednesday night, followed by severe cold Thursday to Friday, urging people to avoid unnecessary travel (especially early mornings and nights), watch for icy roads, and protect livestock against foot-and-mouth disease. Nutrition Support: The Lesotho Red Cross Society, with UNICEF, is strengthening nutrition messaging through Risk Communication and Community Engagement under the Ntlafatsa Bana Project, working with district nutrition teams in Leribe and other districts to close gaps where community impact is not yet visible. Gender-Based Violence Prevention: LMPS held a men’s gathering in Teyateyaneng urging men to take a stand against violence against women and children, with police citing high rape case numbers and stressing consent and reporting. Public Health & Safety: An Ombudsman report says 80% of Lesotho’s waste is unmanaged, creating health risks including needle injuries for health workers and waste pickers due to poor healthcare waste handling and limited protective gear. Mental Health Signal: WHO data highlights Lesotho’s high suicide rate (36.7 per 100,000), underscoring the need for stronger mental health support.

Winter Health Alert: Lesotho Meteorological Services and the Disaster Management Authority warn of snowfall in the highlands from Wednesday night and severe cold from Thursday to Friday, urging people to avoid unnecessary travel, watch icy roads, and protect livestock while staying alert for foot-and-mouth disease. Nutrition Push: The Lesotho Red Cross Society, with UNICEF support, is strengthening nutrition messaging through Risk Communication and Community Engagement under the Ntlafatsa Bana Project, targeting gaps in districts including Leribe and Qacha’s Nek. Gender-Based Violence Focus: LMPS held a men’s gathering in Teyateyaneng calling on men to take a stand against violence against women and children, with police citing 897 rape cases recorded in 2025 (380 involving children). Community Safety: Police in Bloemfontein rescued a 35-year-old kidnapping victim and arrested six suspects after finding Lesotho-registered vehicles linked to the assault. Mental Health Data: WHO figures show Lesotho has a suicide rate of 36.7 per 100,000, the highest among the listed countries in the report, underscoring the mental health burden. Waste & Health Risk: An Ombudsman report says 80% of Lesotho’s waste is uncollected, with healthcare waste and sharps posing serious risks to workers due to poor disposal and limited protective gear. Home ID Access: Home Affairs and Police expanded doorstep National ID registration for elderly people and persons with disabilities to help them access services including healthcare and social protection. Winter Injury Prevention: Health workers at Maseru District Hospital urge families to prevent fire burn injuries as people use heaters, open flames, and braziers indoors, stressing immediate cooling with clean running water and fast referral to facilities for serious burns.

Mental Health & Suicide: WHO data flags South Africa as having the fourth-highest suicide rate in Africa (21.1 per 100,000), with Lesotho also high (36.7), underscoring urgent mental health support needs. Gender & Health Services: Lesotho’s census inclusion for gender-diverse people draws praise, but advocates warn enumerators need better training to ask questions comfortably and correctly. GBV Reporting: UNFPA and UN sexual/reproductive health agency run media training in Lesotho to help journalists report gender-based violence responsibly, including the need to reduce silence around male victims too. Public Health & Safety: As winter approaches, Maseru health workers warn of rising fire-burn injuries from heaters and open flames, urging immediate cooling with clean running water and faster clinic/hospital care for serious burns. Waste & Healthcare Risks: Lesotho’s Ombudsman says 80% of waste is unmanaged, with healthcare waste and sharps posing puncture risks to workers due to poor disposal and limited protective gear. Nutrition: Lesotho Red Cross launches a nutrition messaging project to strengthen infant feeding practices in hard-to-reach areas. Agriculture & Food Security: Government marks International Day of Potato, linking the sector to jobs, poverty reduction, and climate-smart production. Trade & Farmer Relief: Lesotho welcomes China’s lifting of temporary wool import restrictions after foot-and-mouth disruptions, with released consignments and payments to farmers starting.

Winter Health Warning: Lesotho health workers say winter is bringing more household fire burn injuries as people use heaters, open flames and braziers indoors; they urge cooling burns with clean running water, avoiding toothpaste/oils/herbs, and going to a clinic or hospital fast for serious burns. Public Health & Safety: The Ombudsman warns that 80% of Lesotho’s waste is unmanaged, with illegal dumping and open burning creating health risks, including needle-stick injuries for health workers and waste pickers due to poor protective gear. GBV Reporting: UNFPA and UN Sexual and Reproductive Health Agency held a workshop for journalists on reporting Gender Based Violence responsibly, survivor-centred and ethically, noting many survivors still suffer in silence. Mental Health in the Region: WHO data shows Lesotho has the highest suicide rate among listed countries (36.7 per 100,000), underscoring the mental health burden across southern Africa. Nutrition Support: Lesotho Red Cross Society launched a three-month nutrition messaging project to strengthen infant feeding information in hard-to-reach areas. Gender Identity Policy: Lesotho’s Senate debate on whether doctors should validate LGBTQIA+ identities is sparking concern and discussion about who gets to define identity.

Xenophobia & Regional Solidarity: A fresh opinion piece compares rising xenophobic violence in South Africa to a breadfruit tree that “wounds” the continent that once supported it, revisiting how African nations backed liberation movements and warning against turning on fellow Africans. Violence & Emergency Care: Kanana police are investigating a tavern shooting that left a 15-year-old girl dead, three Lesotho men dead, and two Lesotho women injured and admitted to hospital. Health Systems & International Links: Lesotho’s embassy in Ethiopia congratulated Ethiopia on launching the Lafto International Standard Hospital, calling it a milestone for access to quality care. Waste & Public Health: The Ombudsman warns Lesotho’s waste crisis is driving health risks, including healthcare waste and needle injuries, with 80% of garbage uncollected and much ending in illegal dumps and open burning. Winter Burn Prevention: Maseru District Hospital staff urge families to prevent heating-related burns, stressing immediate cooling with clean running water and fast referral to clinics or hospitals. GBV Reporting & Media Role: UNFPA and UNFPA/UN Sexual and Reproductive Health Agency workshops in Lesotho train journalists to report GBV responsibly, including the need to support survivors and reduce stigma. Nutrition Support: Lesotho Red Cross launches a nutrition messaging project to strengthen infant feeding guidance in hard-to-reach communities. Mental Health: WHO-backed regional mental health learning for East and Southern Africa includes Lesotho, aiming to share best practice ahead of a global summit.

Violence Update: Kanana police are investigating a tavern shooting that killed a 15-year-old girl and three men (30–36), with two women (30 and 45) injured and taken to hospital; three masked suspects with rifles are believed to be responsible, and no arrests have been made yet. Healthcare Diplomacy: Lesotho congratulated Ethiopia on launching the Lafto International Standard Hospital, calling it a major step to improve access to quality care. Public Health & Safety: As winter approaches, Maseru District Hospital staff warn of rising household burn injuries from heaters, open flames and braziers; they urge immediate cooling with clean running water and fast referral to clinics or hospitals for serious burns. Waste & Health Risks: The Ombudsman says 80% of Lesotho’s waste is unmanaged, with illegal dumping and open burning creating health threats, including needle injuries and lack of protective gear for waste workers. Nutrition Support: Lesotho Red Cross Society launched a nutrition messaging project to strengthen infant feeding practices in hard-to-reach areas. GBV Reporting: UNFPA and partners trained journalists to report gender-based violence responsibly, survivor-centred, and ethically. Food & Livelihoods: Government welcomed China’s lifting of temporary wool import restrictions after Foot-and-Mouth Disease disruptions, saying released consignments and payments are already underway.

Waste & Health: Lesotho’s Ombudsman warns that 80% of the country’s waste is unmanaged, with garbage dumped or openly burned—raising soil, water and air pollution risks and putting healthcare waste handlers at danger from needles and sharps, often without protective gear. Public Finance Watch: The Auditor General flags recurring weaknesses in Lesotho’s financial management, including mismatched cash receipts and payments, missing records on assets and loan guarantees, and IFMIS transactions not properly recorded—concerns that can affect service delivery. Winter Burn Safety: Maseru District Hospital urges residents to prevent fire and heater-related burns in winter, stressing immediate cooling with clean running water and fast referral to clinics or hospitals for serious burns. Gender & Media: UNFPA and partners trained journalists to report gender-based violence responsibly, including the need to reduce stigma and encourage survivors to seek help; officials also note GBV against men is underreported. Nutrition Push: Lesotho Red Cross launches a nutrition messaging project to strengthen infant feeding support in hard-to-reach areas through nutrition clubs and risk communication. Justice Access: Qacha’s Nek opens decentralised legal aid offices to improve access to justice for vulnerable communities. Mental Health Regional Link: Lesotho’s Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi delivered a keynote at a WHO mental health workshop, supporting regional mental health planning. Agriculture Spotlight: Government marks International Day of Potato, linking potato sector development to national growth, jobs and food security goals. Trade Relief: China lifts temporary wool import restrictions on Lesotho, easing pressure on farmers after foot-and-mouth-related disruptions.

Winter Health Warning: Maseru District Hospital nurse urges people to prevent fire burn injuries as households use heaters, open flames and braziers indoors—cool burns with clean running water and go to a clinic fast for serious burns. Waste & Public Health: The Ombudsman says 80% of Lesotho’s waste is unmanaged, with illegal dumps and open burning putting children, communities and healthcare workers at risk from needles and sharps, often without protective gear. Money & Service Delivery: Auditor General flags recurring government financial management weaknesses, including cash/payment mismatches and poor records affecting service delivery. Nutrition Support: Lesotho Red Cross launches a nutrition messaging project using community nutrition clubs to improve infant feeding practices in hard-to-reach areas. Gender & Health Policy: UNFPA and partners train journalists to report GBV responsibly, while Lesotho’s Senate debate on medical validation of LGBTQIA+ identities raises major health and rights concerns. Access to Care: UNFPA-backed oversight highlights severe health gaps in Thaba-Tseka, including water shortages closing centres and an urgent cervical cancer burden. Agriculture & Food Security: Government links potato sector development to national growth plans, while China lifts wool import restrictions—helping farmers after Foot-and-Mouth Disease disruptions.

Waste & Health Safety: Lesotho’s Ombudsman warns that 80% of the country’s waste is unmanaged, with illegal dumps and open burning creating serious public health risks—especially for healthcare waste where workers and waste pickers face needle-stick injuries without enough protective gear. Public Finance Oversight: The Auditor General flags recurring government financial management weaknesses, including mismatched cash receipts and payments (M3 billion difference), missing records on assets and loan guarantees, and IFMIS transactions not fully recorded—issues that can slow service delivery. Winter Burn Prevention: Maseru District Hospital staff urge households to prevent fire and heater-related burns as winter approaches, stressing immediate cooling with clean running water and fast referral to clinics or hospitals for serious burns. Nutrition Support: Lesotho Red Cross launches a nutrition messaging project to strengthen infant feeding practices in hard-to-reach areas, working through nutrition clubs and community engagement. Gender & Health Policy: A Senate proposal on requiring doctors to validate LGBTQIA+ identities is sparking debate, while UNFPA and partners train journalists to report GBV responsibly and highlight that men also experience abuse. Access to Justice: EU-backed decentralised legal aid offices open in Qacha’s Nek to improve access to legal representation for vulnerable communities. Agriculture & Food Security: Government marks International Day of Potato, linking potato sector development to national plans for commercial farming, productivity, and value chains.

Winter Burn Safety: As Lesotho heads into cold weather, Maseru District Hospital staff warn of rising household fire burn cases from heaters, open flames and braziers used indoors—urging people to cool burns with clean running water, avoid toothpaste/oils/traditional herbs, and rush serious burns (face, hands, joints or deep) to clinics or hospitals. GBV Reporting for All Survivors: UNFPA and UN sexual and reproductive health partners ran a workshop for journalists on ethical, survivor-centred Gender Based Violence reporting, with officials also stressing that GBV against men remains underreported and needs attention. Gender Identity Policy Debate: A Senate proposal requiring medical doctors to validate LGBTQIA+ identities has sparked debate across Lesotho, raising concerns about who gets authority over identity and medical practice. Nutrition Push by Red Cross: Lesotho Red Cross Society launched a three-month nutrition messaging project in Mafeteng to strengthen infant feeding information through community nutrition clubs, reaching hard-to-reach areas. Health & Environment Watch: The Ombudsman raised alarms over poor solid waste management, including open burning and unsafe dumping sites near homes and schools, warning of public health risks. Mental Health Regional Link: Lesotho’s Minister Aaron Motsoaledi delivered a keynote at a regional mental health inter-country workshop, supporting best practice ahead of a global summit.