AGP Executive Report

Karate for health: The Lesotho Karate Association says karate camps at the National Health Training College are helping learners build discipline, improve mental focus and boost physical fitness, with organisers linking the sport to lower risk of drug and alcohol abuse. Child welfare as development: At Beautiful Gate Lesotho’s 25th anniversary, Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso and the Minister of Youth, Gender and Social Development stressed that child protection and welfare are national development priorities, highlighting support for health, education, psychosocial care and family reunification. Mineworker disease compensation: South Africa’s Tshiamiso Trust has paid R2.7bn to gold mineworkers affected by silicosis and TB, with Lesotho among the top beneficiary sources and a call for eligible former workers or families to apply before the 2029 deadline. Digital learning push: MBRGI and The Digital School announced a digital learning initiative for more than 500,000 people across six African countries including Lesotho, focusing on digital spaces, teacher training and job-ready skills. Weather and health risk: South Africa’s weather service issued alerts for disruptive snow near the Lesotho border and severe conditions in parts of the region, warning of road and infrastructure impacts.

Child Protection Push: In Maseru, Minister Pitso Lesaoana and Queen Masenate used Beautiful Gate Lesotho’s 25th anniversary to stress that child welfare is national development, not charity—highlighting health, education, psychosocial support, reunification and adoption for hundreds of vulnerable children. Mineworker Health Compensation: The Tshiamiso Trust says it has paid R2.7bn to gold mineworkers affected by silicosis and TB, with Lesotho leading beneficiary numbers; eligible people can still apply until 10 Dec 2029, including families of those who died. Digital Learning for Lesotho: MBRGI and The Digital School announced a digital learning initiative reaching 500,000+ people across six countries including Lesotho, with support for learning spaces, teacher capacity and job-ready skills. Weather Alerts Near Lesotho: South Africa’s SAWS issued warnings of disruptive snow near the Lesotho border and damaging winds, with possible road impacts and local flooding. Health System Funding Abroad: The US and Tanzania signed a five-year global health deal to strengthen hospitals, labs and workforce capacity, including HIV, malaria, polio and TB support.

Child Welfare Push: Lesotho’s Minister of Youth, Gender and Social Development Pitso Lesaoana says child welfare must be treated as national development, not charity, as Beautiful Gate Lesotho marks 25 years of protecting vulnerable children. Royal Call to Invest: Queen Masenate urged Basotho to invest in children’s well-being, highlighting Beautiful Gate’s holistic support—family strengthening, education, healthcare and psychosocial services—with care for 674 children directly and over 1,000 through outreach. Mineworker Health Compensation: The Tshiamiso Trust reports R2.7bn paid to gold mineworkers affected by silicosis and TB, with Lesotho leading beneficiaries; eligible claims remain open until 10 Dec 2029. Digital Learning for Healthier Futures: MBRGI and The Digital School announced a digital learning initiative for over 500,000 people across six countries including Lesotho, focusing on school support, teacher training and job-ready skills. Weather Alert Near Lesotho Border: South Africa’s SAWS issued warnings of disruptive snow near the Lesotho border, with cold, damaging winds and road impacts. Accountability and Service Delivery: The Prime Minister officiated a pilot National Accountability Summit dialogue in Maseru, aiming to improve public participation and transparency across sectors including healthcare.

Silicosis & TB Compensation: Tshiamiso Trust says it has paid R2.7bn to mineworkers sickened by silicosis and TB, with Lesotho leading among beneficiaries (about R1bn paid to former Lesotho workers). The trust urges eligible workers and families to apply before the 2029 deadline, and says some previously rejected claims can be reconsidered if health has worsened. Digital Learning Push: MBRGI and The Digital School plan to support over 500,000 learners across six countries, including Lesotho, through digital learning spaces, teacher training, and job-ready skills. Agriculture & Farmer Concerns: Lesotho’s agriculture minister responded to farmers’ worries at the Leadership and Accountability Summit, pointing to wool and mohair collections and calling for faster processing and stronger industry improvements. Weather Alerts Near Lesotho Border: South Africa’s SAWS issued warnings of disruptive snow and damaging winds affecting roads and infrastructure, including a yellow alert near the Lesotho border. Men’s Mental Health & GBV: In Maseru, programmes and events focused on men’s dialogue, mental health, and protecting boys—linking masculinity, emotional wellbeing, and prevention of gender-based violence.

Digital Learning Boost: MBRGI and The Digital School launched a sustainable digital learning initiative for over 500,000 people across six African countries, including Lesotho, with support for schools, digital learning spaces, teacher training, and youth job-readiness. Weather & Health Risks: South Africa’s SAWS issued severe cold-front alerts, including disruptive snow near the Lesotho border (Yellow Level 2), plus freezing conditions and damaging winds that could affect travel and access to care. Farmers’ Income Pressure: At Lesotho’s Leadership and Accountability Summit, the Agriculture Minister responded to farmers’ concerns, pointing to wool and mohair collections (M900m) and urging more sheep and goat production and earlier processing to raise revenue. Accountability & Service Delivery: Lesotho’s Prime Minister officiated a pilot accountability dialogue, saying it aims to improve transparency and public participation, with Rwanda benchmarking and sector updates including healthcare. Men’s Mental Health & GBV: In Maseru, programmes focused on men’s dialogue, safeguarding boys, and prioritising mental health—linking masculinity, emotional wellbeing, and prevention of gender-based violence. Public Health Data Focus: Lesotho’s Bureau of Statistics and the EU sensitised media on strengthening the national statistical system, including how data supports health and policy decisions.

Digital Learning for Healthier Futures: MBRGI and The Digital School launched a digital learning initiative expected to reach 500,000+ people across Lesotho and five other African countries, focusing on digital learning spaces, teacher capacity, and youth job readiness. Accountability and Service Delivery: Lesotho’s Prime Minister officiated a pilot accountability summit dialogue in Maseru, benchmarking Rwanda and bringing together government and civil society to improve transparency and public participation, with healthcare and other key sectors on the agenda. Men’s Mental Health and GBV Focus: In Maseru, Lesotho launched men’s dialogue programming aimed at identity, healing, and tackling gender-based violence, alongside community calls to protect and empower boys in safer environments. Nutrition and Dairy Skills: In Berea, dairy farmers trained on turning fresh milk into yoghurt and sour milk, responding to Foot and Mouth Disease disruptions and highlighting processed dairy’s role in nutrition and reducing waste. Safe Water Gap: A data-driven global map highlights where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, underscoring the ongoing public health challenge of clean water access. Cross-Border Health Risks: Reports from South Africa describe rising fear and disruption linked to anti-immigration unrest, with implications for vulnerable migrants’ access to services like clinics and schools.

HIV Care Retention: Lesotho’s Back to Care Campaign symposium shared results from efforts to trace and re-engage people who interrupted HIV treatment, with the Health Minister stressing that staying on care is as important as starting treatment. Ex-Mineworker Compensation: Tshiamiso Trust says it has paid over M1 billion to eligible Basotho ex-mineworkers and dependents for silicosis and tuberculosis claims tied to work in South African gold mines, highlighting ongoing support to reach those still qualifying. Men’s Mental Health & GBV: A Maseru event pushed mental health as central to men’s well-being, challenging restrictive masculinity norms, while separate programmes urged safeguarding boys and launched a men’s dialogue initiative aimed at identity, healing, and reducing gender-based violence. Water & Nutrition: A data roundup on safe drinking water access underlined how many people still lack safely managed water, and a Berea dairy training showed how processing fresh milk into yoghurt and sour milk can improve shelf life and nutrition—especially after FMD restrictions. Regional Health Cooperation: The US and Tanzania signed a five-year health MOU focused on infectious diseases, including HIV, malaria, polio and TB, with a shift toward stronger local health system financing.

HIV Care in Focus: Lesotho’s EpiC project and the Ministry of Health held a “Back to Care” campaign symposium, sharing progress on tracing people who interrupted HIV treatment and stressing that starting therapy isn’t enough—retention systems and better patient record transfers are key. Ex-Mineworker Compensation: Tshiamiso Trust announced it has paid over M1 billion to eligible Basotho ex-mineworkers and dependents for silicosis and TB claims tied to work in South African gold mines, with more outreach to find anyone still eligible. Men’s Mental Health & GBV: In Maseru, Lesotho launched men’s dialogue and boys’ protection events, urging safer community spaces, stronger safeguarding, and challenging harmful ideas about masculinity and emotional suppression. Nutrition & Dairy Skills: Pilot Resource Centre farmers in Berea completed training on turning fresh milk into yoghurt and sour milk, partly in response to Foot and Mouth Disease restrictions that left milk unsold. Leadership & Service Delivery: After Lesotho’s first National Leadership Forum, Deputy PM Justice Nthomeng Majara highlighted plans to improve accountability and implementation across sectors including healthcare and water. Public Health Context: Regional coverage also flagged rising fear and displacement linked to anti-immigration unrest in South Africa, with knock-on risks for access to services.

Mental Health Reform Push: Lesotho’s mental health system is being called a crisis, with lawmakers and faith leaders urging updated laws and a shift away from witchcraft explanations toward root-cause support and political commitment. HIV Care Retention: The EpiC project and the Ministry of Health shared results from the Back to Care Campaign, focusing on tracing people who interrupted HIV treatment and improving continuity so patients stay in care. Men’s Wellbeing & GBV Prevention: A men’s dialogue programme in Maseru targets identity, healing and gender-based violence, while another event urged communities to protect and empower boys through safer environments and better safeguarding. Public Service Accountability: Lesotho’s Deputy Prime Minister reported outcomes from the first National Leadership Forum, highlighting progress in sectors including healthcare and water, alongside persistent gaps like corruption, weak coordination and limited implementation capacity. Nutrition & Local Skills: In Berea, dairy farmers trained on turning fresh milk into yoghurt and sour milk to reduce waste and improve nutrition and income. Regional Context: South Africa’s anti-immigration pressure and xenophobia concerns continue to spill into health and community safety discussions across the region.

HIV Care Continuity: Lesotho’s Back to Care Campaign, led by the EpiC Project with the Ministry of Health, shared results from efforts to trace and re-engage people who interrupted HIV treatment—highlighting that staying on therapy is the real test, not just starting it. Mental Health Crisis: A national dialogue in Maseru heard calls for urgent mental health reform, with lawmakers warning Lesotho’s mental health laws are outdated and progress needs stronger political commitment. Men’s Wellbeing & GBV Prevention: Lesotho launched men’s dialogue programmes and events focused on positive masculinity, healing, and safeguarding boys—aiming to reduce gender-based violence and create safer community spaces. Nutrition & Food Security: In Berea, dairy farmers trained to turn fresh milk into yoghurt and sour milk after Foot and Mouth Disease restrictions left milk unsold, with processed products improving shelf life and nutrition. Ex-Mineworker Compensation: Tshiamiso Trust reported paying over M1 billion to eligible Basotho ex-mineworkers and dependents for silicosis and tuberculosis claims linked to work in South African gold mines. Public Health Infrastructure Support: Maluti Adventist Hospital received donations during the Queen Masenate Golden Jubilee celebrations, including items for maternity and paediatric wards. Regional Health Context: South Africa and the region continue to face health pressures tied to migration and social instability, while broader reporting also maps where safe drinking water remains out of reach.

HIV Care Continuity: Lesotho’s Back to Care Campaign, led by the EpiC Project with the Ministry of Health, is re-engaging people who interrupted HIV treatment, with officials pointing to gaps in record updates and weak communication between facilities that can leave patients “lost” when they move or seek care elsewhere. Mental Health for Men: A Maseru event and a men’s dialogue programme are pushing back against harmful ideas of masculinity, urging support for men’s mental well-being and tackling gender-based violence through safer communities and better emotional health. Mental Health Law Reform: Lesotho’s mental health system is being called a crisis, with lawmakers and faith leaders urging updated laws and stronger political commitment to prevent the high costs of untreated illness. Ex-Mineworkers Compensation: Tshiamiso Trust reports paying over M1 billion to eligible Basotho ex-mineworkers and dependents for silicosis and TB claims tied to work in South African gold mines. Water Access Data: A global map highlights how safe drinking water remains out of reach for billions, underscoring the need for stronger WASH systems. Health System Support: Maluti Adventist Hospital received support from Lesotho’s royal family during Queen Masenate’s Golden Jubilee, including items for maternity and paediatric wards. Regional Health Cooperation: The US and South Sudan signed a health cooperation deal under an America First strategy, including funding for infectious disease prevention and health system support.

HIV Care Continuity: Lesotho’s Back to Care Campaign, led by the EpiC Project with the Ministry of Health, shared results showing progress in tracing and re-engaging people who interrupted HIV treatment—while also flagging weak communication between facilities and incomplete patient records as key reasons people fall out of care. Mental Health Push: A national dialogue in Maseru heard that mental health in Lesotho has reached a crisis level, with calls for updated laws, stronger political commitment, and a shift away from stigma—plus reminders that men’s emotional wellbeing matters as much as physical health. Men’s Wellbeing & GBV: A men’s dialogue programme launched in Maseru aims to reclaim men’s identity, tackle gender-based violence, and promote healing, alongside community calls to protect and empower boys through safer environments and better safeguarding. Nutrition & Dairy Skills: In Berea, dairy farmers trained to process fresh milk into yoghurt and sour milk after Foot and Mouth Disease restrictions left milk unsold—highlighting nutrition and longer shelf-life benefits. Ex-Mineworker Compensation: Tshiamiso Trust reported paying over M1 billion to eligible Basotho ex-mineworkers and dependents for silicosis and tuberculosis claims linked to work in South African gold mines. Safe Water Data: A global data map highlights how safely managed drinking water remains out of reach for billions—useful context for Lesotho’s WASH priorities. Rights for Visually Impaired Children: LNLVIP raised concerns that some guardians still hide visually impaired children, denying access to education and healthcare, ahead of Day of African Child.

HIV Care Retention: Lesotho’s Back to Care Campaign symposium shared results from efforts to trace and re-engage people living with HIV who interrupted treatment, stressing that starting therapy is not enough—systems must keep patients in care. Mental Health for Men: In Maseru, officials and clinicians pushed back against stigma and “restrictive emotionality,” calling mental health a crisis for men and urging supportive, non-judgmental services. Men’s Dialogue & GBV: A men’s dialogue programme launched with partners aims to reclaim men’s identity, address gender-based violence, and tackle root causes through healing and responsibility. Child Protection & Safeguarding: Communities were urged to protect and empower boys by creating safe environments that prevent abuse, exploitation and harassment, including better safeguarding practices. Nutrition & Dairy Skills: In Berea, dairy farmers trained to process fresh milk into yoghurt and sour milk, partly in response to foot-and-mouth disease disruptions that left milk unsold and highlighted ongoing malnutrition. Ex-Mineworker Compensation: Tshiamiso Trust reported paying over M1 billion to eligible Basotho ex-mineworkers and dependents for silicosis and TB claims linked to work in South African gold mines. Safe Water Focus: A global data story highlights how safely managed drinking water remains out of reach for billions—an issue that resonates with Lesotho’s water and sanitation priorities.

HIV Care Continuity: Lesotho’s Back to Care Campaign (EpiC with the Ministry of Health) shared results from efforts to trace and re-engage people who interrupted HIV treatment, stressing that starting treatment is not enough—staying in care is the real challenge, with gaps linked to weak facility communication and incomplete records. Mental Health Push: A national dialogue in Maseru heard warnings that Lesotho’s mental health situation is at crisis level, with calls to update outdated laws and strengthen political commitment; speakers also challenged harmful beliefs, urging a more informed, holistic approach. Men’s Wellbeing & GBV Prevention: A Maseru men’s dialogue programme launched to help Basotho men reclaim identity, address gender-based violence, and promote healing, alongside events urging communities to protect and empower boys and treat mental health as part of men’s health. Nutrition & Food Security: In Berea, dairy farmers trained to process fresh milk into yoghurt and sour milk after Foot and Mouth Disease restrictions left milk unsold—aiming to improve shelf life, nutrition, and income. Ex-Mineworker Compensation: Tshiamiso Trust reported paying over M1 billion in compensation to eligible ex-mineworkers and dependents for silicosis and TB claims tied to work in South African gold mines. Access for Visually Impaired Children: LNLVIP raised concerns that some parents still hide visually impaired children, denying access to education and healthcare, ahead of the Day of African Child. Regional Health-Linked Policy: Lesotho is also moving to strengthen protection of traditional knowledge and medicinal plants under the Nagoya Protocol through ABS Week 2026.

HIV Care Retention: EpiC and the Ministry of Health shared results from Lesotho’s Back to Care Campaign, focused on tracing people who interrupted HIV treatment and re-engaging them to stay on therapy—highlighting that gaps in records and weak communication between facilities can break continuity, especially for mobile communities. Men’s Mental Health & GBV Prevention: In Maseru, partners launched a men’s dialogue programme aimed at reclaiming identity, tackling gender-based violence, and promoting healing; at the same time, events urged communities to protect and empower boys in safe environments and challenged harmful ideas of masculinity that keep mental health in the shadows. Mental Health Policy Push: A national dialogue heard calls for stronger political commitment as Lesotho’s mental health laws were described as outdated, with leaders warning that without reform, progress will stall. Nutrition & Food Skills: In Berea, dairy farmers trained to process fresh milk into yoghurt and sour milk—an effort to reduce waste after Foot and Mouth Disease restrictions and improve nutrition and shelf life. Ex-Mineworkers Compensation: Tshiamiso Trust reported paying over M1 billion to eligible Basotho ex-mineworkers and dependents for silicosis and TB claims linked to work in South African gold mines. Access to Care Support: Maluti Adventist Hospital received support from the Royal Family’s Golden Jubilee outreach, including items for maternity and paediatric wards.

Men’s mental health and masculinity push: In Maseru, organisations launched a men’s dialogue programme to help Basotho men reclaim identity, address gender-based violence and support healing, while speakers also urged communities to protect and empower boys through safer environments and better safeguarding. Mental health crisis call: A national dialogue heard that Lesotho’s mental health laws are outdated and that political will is needed to reform them, with another speaker challenging the idea that men’s strength means suppressing emotions. HIV care retention focus: The EpiC project and the Ministry of Health held a “Back to Care” symposium, highlighting progress in tracing people who interrupted HIV treatment and warning that staying on treatment is the real test. Nutrition and health skills: Dairy farmers in Berea trained to turn fresh milk into yoghurt and sour milk, aiming to reduce waste and improve nutrition and shelf life. Regional health and safety context: South Africa’s border and migrant enforcement tensions continue to spill into health access, with reports of vigilante pressure on schools and clinics. Justice and health links: A Cleveland mass shooting case involving three Lesotho nationals was postponed to 2 July, with victims’ statements playing a key role in arrests.