AGP Executive Report

Rural Health Access: In Likhutlong (Leribe), sick people and even the deceased still rely on cattle carts and horses to reach Thusong for basic care, after impassable roads cut off faster transport—highlighting how geography and lack of services keep communities “forgotten.” Maternal Health & GBV: A Parliamentary Women’s Caucus report says climate change and poor infrastructure in Mafeteng force women to cross flooded rivers and travel long distances for maternal services, while remote clinics and unsafe routes increase risks during childbirth and for gender-based violence. HIV Medicines Safety: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health recovered 160 bottles of expired ARVs (TLD) dumped near Ha Thetsane, warning that improper disposal can lead to misuse or accidental ingestion and stressing quarantine ahead of authorised disposal. Health System Oversight: At Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital, PAC proceedings were halted when the Lesotho Medical Council and Nursing Council failed to submit required reports on staff qualifications, with follow-up expected after the reports are prepared. Public Health & Nutrition: Leribe will commemorate World Food Day on 30 October under “Innovate today, nourish tomorrow,” with climate-smart farming demonstrations and nutrition-focused activities led by agriculture officials and partners. Wellness & Community Tourism: LHDA launched the Mokhotlong Highlands marathon, positioning it as more than infrastructure—linking active lifestyles with tourism and local enterprise. Climate & Drought Preparedness: Agriculture officials say drought-tolerant seeds have been procured and livestock farmers are urged to plant fodder and collect water as El Niño-driven heat and below-normal rainfall threaten crops, animals, and public health.

Health system risk: Lesotho’s Health Maintenance Project Implementing Unit (HM-PIU), which keeps 226 clinics and hospitals running (water, power, sewerage, medical waste and ICT), is set to shut down on 30 September 2026 with no handover plan reported—raising fears that over a million Basotho could face serious service disruptions. Medicines safety: Maseru District recovered 160 bottles of expired ARVs (TLD 300/300/50 mg) dumped near the Mabolou River at Ha Thetsane; the medicines are quarantined pending authorised disposal. Mental health: A National University of Lesotho session warned that unresolved emotional difficulties can build into crisis, urging people to talk, use coping tools like journaling, and reach out to trusted support. Maternal health & climate: MPs report climate change is worsening maternal care access in Mafeteng, with women forced to cross flooded rivers and travel long distances to reach services, increasing risks during childbirth and GBV. Nutrition push: Leribe will commemorate World Food Day on 30 October with climate-smart farming demos and nutrition-focused activities under the theme “Innovate today, nourish tomorrow.” Cancer care progress: An Africa-focused IAEA update highlights “Rays of Hope” efforts to expand radiotherapy access, noting Lesotho is among countries moving toward oncology centres.

Health System Watch: The Public Accounts Committee halted proceedings at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after the Lesotho Medical Council and Nursing Council failed to submit reports on staff allegedly practising without required qualifications, while PAC also followed up on missing M4 million linked to the hospital’s finances. HIV Care Safety: Maseru DHMT recovered 160 bottles of expired ARVs (TLD 300/300/50 mg) dumped near the Mabolou River at Ha Thetsane; the medicines were documented, quarantined, and transferred for authorised disposal. Maternal Health & Climate: A Parliamentary Women’s Caucus report says climate change is worsening access to maternal care in Mafeteng, with women forced to cross flooded rivers and travel long distances to reach services, increasing risks during childbirth and GBV. Mental Health: A student nurse at a suicide prevention and mental health awareness session urged Basotho to recognise emotions early, use coping tools like journaling and talking to trusted friends, and seek support before crises build. Nutrition & Food Security: Leribe will commemorate World Food Day on 30 October under the theme “Innovate today, nourish tomorrow,” featuring climate-smart farming demonstrations and community sensitisation. Public Health Research: A UCT-led study reports one in seven hospital patients across Africa experiences severe pain, highlighting a major gap in acute pain care. Digital Health Angle: Lesotho announced it is the first country to move into implementation of the UN AI Blueprint after assessing readiness for computing power, data, skills and financing.

Hospital Care & Pain: A University of Cape Town study reports that 67.9% of adults admitted to hospitals across Africa experienced some pain, with 14.4% reporting severe pain—highlighting an urgent need to improve pain control in wards. Health System Risk: Lesotho’s planned shutdown of the Health Maintenance Project Implementing Unit (HM-PIU) on 30 September 2026 could disrupt water, power, sanitation, medical waste and ICT at 226 clinics and hospitals, putting over a million Basotho at risk. HIV Medicines Safety: The Ministry of Health recovered 160 bottles of expired ARVs (TLD 300/300/50 mg) dumped near Ha Thetsane, quarantined them, and warned against unsafe disposal and self-medication. Maternal Health & Climate: A Parliamentary Women’s Caucus report says climate change is worsening access to maternal care in Mafeteng, with women forced to cross flooded rivers and travel long distances to reach services. Food Safety: A food specialist warns that poor hygiene and unsafe handling during funerals and gatherings can drive illness, urging community-led sensitisation. Mental Health: A student nurse at a suicide prevention and mental health session urged people to recognise emotions early, talk about them, and use healthy coping supports. Public Accounts & Staffing Qualifications: PAC proceedings at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital were paused after the Medical Council and Nursing Council failed to submit required reports on staff qualifications. World Food Day in Leribe: Leribe will mark World Food Day on 30 October 2026 with climate-smart farming demonstrations and nutrition-focused activities at Taale Resource Centre.

Health System Accountability: The Public Accounts Committee halted proceedings against Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital (QMMH) after the Lesotho Medical Council and Nursing Council failed to submit reports on staff practising without required qualifications; the committee also followed up on M4 million expected to be deposited into the hospital’s Nedbank account. HIV Supply Safety: Maseru District recovered 160 bottles of expired ARVs (TLD 300/300/50 mg) dumped near the Mabolou River at Ha Thetsane; the medicines were documented, quarantined, and transferred for authorised disposal, with warnings about public and environmental risks from improper dumping. Maternal Health & Climate Risk: MPs report worsening maternal health access in Mafeteng as women in Reisi must cross flooded rivers and travel long distances to reach services, with cases of births in unsafe transport and at home during emergencies. Food Security & Nutrition: Leribe will commemorate World Food Day on 30 October at Taale Resource Centre under “Innovate today, nourish tomorrow,” featuring climate-smart farming demonstrations and nutrition-focused activities. Public Health Education: A food specialist warns that unsafe food handling during funerals and large gatherings can drive illness, urging community-led hygiene sensitisation. Mental Health: A student nurse says unresolved emotional difficulties can build into crisis, encouraging people to talk, journal, and seek trusted support. Community Health Access: A report flags that shutting down the Health Maintenance Project Implementing Unit (HM-PIU) on 30 September could disrupt water, power, sanitation and medical waste services across 226 facilities, putting over a million Basotho at risk.

Hospital accountability: Lesotho’s Public Accounts Committee paused proceedings against Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after the Lesotho Medical Council and Nursing Council failed to submit required reports on staff practising without qualifications, including one senior doctor and 36 doctors allegedly missing retention certificates. Medicine safety: Maseru District Health authorities recovered 160 bottles of expired ARVs (TLD 300/300/50 mg) dumped near the Mabolou River at Ha Thetsane; the medicines were quarantined and transferred for authorised disposal to prevent misuse and environmental harm. Maternal health under climate stress: A Parliamentary Women’s Caucus report warns that climate change is worsening access to maternal care in Mafeteng, with women forced to cross flooded rivers and travel long distances to reach services, raising risks during extreme weather and childbirth. Food security push: Leribe will commemorate World Food Day on 30 October 2026 at Taale Resource Centre, focusing on hunger awareness, sustainable agriculture and nutrition, with climate-smart demonstrations and community sensitisation. Public health education: A University of Johannesburg food specialist urged safer food handling during funerals and large gatherings, warning that poor hygiene and cross-contamination can drive illness. Mental health: A National University of Lesotho session highlighted how unresolved emotional difficulties can build into crisis, encouraging journaling, creative coping and talking to trusted people. Access to care infrastructure: Reports say the government has ordered the shutdown of the Health Maintenance Project Implementing Unit (HM-PIU) that keeps 226 clinics and hospitals running, raising fears for water, power and sanitation services needed for safe treatment.

World Food Day in Leribe: Leribe will commemorate World Food Day on 30 October 2026 at Taale Resource Centre in Boribeng under the theme “Innovate today, nourish tomorrow,” with His Majesty King Letsie III expected to attend. The programme will feature climate-smart plot demonstrations (including a banana cycle), a clay oven demonstration, and visits to local chicken farms, alongside sensitisation held earlier in June. QMMH PAC halt: In Maseru, Public Accounts Committee proceedings against Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital were paused after the Lesotho Medical Council and Nursing Council failed to submit required reports on staff allegedly practising without qualifications; the committee also followed up on M4 million linked to the hospital’s financial manager. Cold and flu season health tips: Doctors shared guidance on how to get through cold and flu season by supporting the immune system. Hospital pain in Africa: A UCT-led study found 1 in 7 hospital patients across Africa experience severe pain, with pain reported by most adults admitted to hospital. Maternal health under climate pressure: MPs warned that climate change is worsening access to maternal care and increasing risks of gender-based violence, citing long, dangerous travel routes to services in Mafeteng. Expired ARVs recovered: Maseru District Health teams recovered 160 bottles of expired ARVs (TLD 300/300/50 mg) dumped near the Mabolou River at Ha Thetsane; the medicines were documented, quarantined, and transferred for authorised disposal. Inclusive road safety: The Roads Directorate launched new traffic lights with countdown timers and audible buzzers at the State Library intersection to help visually and hearing-impaired pedestrians cross safely. Food safety at gatherings: A food specialist urged safer food handling and hygiene during funerals and large community events to reduce illness risk.

Hospital Accountability: Lesotho’s Public Accounts Committee has halted proceedings involving Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital (QMMH) after the Lesotho Medical Council and Nursing Council failed to submit required reports on staff practising without proper qualifications, including one department-leading doctor and 36 doctors allegedly missing retention certificates; the committee also moved to check whether M4 million expected to be deposited into the hospital’s Nedbank account has been paid, with reports expected later today. Pain in Care: A University of Cape Town study reported that across African hospitals, 67.9% of admitted patients experienced some pain and 14.4% reported severe pain, highlighting a major gap in acute pain management. Maternal Health & Climate: MPs warn that climate change is worsening maternal health access in Mafeteng, where women may cross flooded rivers and travel long distances to reach services, increasing risks during extreme weather and childbirth. ARV Safety: The Ministry of Health recovered 160 bottles of expired ARVs (TLD 300/300/50 mg) from near the Mabolou River at Ha Thetsane, quarantined them, and warned against unsafe disposal and misuse. Mental Health: A student nurse at a suicide prevention and mental health awareness session urged Basotho to recognise and address emotional difficulties early through healthy coping and support networks. Inclusive Public Safety: Roads Directorate launched new pedestrian traffic signals on Kingsway with countdown timers and audible buzzers to help visually and hearing-impaired people cross safely.

Health System Under Pressure: Lesotho’s Health Maintenance Project Implementing Unit (HM-PIU) is set to shut down on 30 September 2026, with no handover plan in sight—raising fears that water, power, sewerage, medical waste and ICT support for 226 clinics and hospitals could fail, disrupting safe care for over 1.3 million people. HIV Care Safety: Maseru recovered 160 bottles of expired ARVs (TLD 300/300/50 mg) dumped near the Mabolou River at Ha Thetsane; the medicines were quarantined for authorised disposal after police and community searches. Maternal Health & Climate: MPs report climate change is worsening maternal health access in Mafeteng, where women must cross flooded rivers and travel long distances to reach services, increasing risks during extreme weather and childbirth. Mental Health: A student nurse warns that unresolved emotional difficulties can build into crisis, urging people to recognise emotions, talk to trusted people and use coping tools like journaling. Public Health & Hygiene: A food specialist cautions against unsafe food handling during funerals and gatherings, calling for community-led hygiene education. Inclusive Access: Roads Directorate launched pedestrian traffic signals with countdown timers and audible buzzers for visually and hearing-impaired people at the State Library intersection. Community Recognition: Lesotho’s 2026 census includes questions on gender identity and sexuality, welcomed by LGBTIQ+ groups as a step toward being counted and included in planning.

Health system risk: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health has ordered the shutdown of the Health Maintenance Project Implementing Unit (HM-PIU) that keeps 226 clinics and hospitals running, with no handover plan in sight—raising fears of service disruptions for over 1.3 million people, including unsafe water, power, sanitation and medical waste systems. HIV care safety: The Ministry of Health recovered 160 bottles of expired ARVs (TLD 300/300/50 mg) dumped near the Mabolou River in Ha Thetsane; the medicines were quarantined and transferred for authorised disposal. Maternal health & GBV: MPs report climate change is worsening maternal care access in Mafeteng, where women must cross flooded rivers and travel long distances to reach services, increasing risks of violence and even fatal birth outcomes. Mental health: A student nurse at a National University of Lesotho session warned that unresolved emotions can build into crisis, urging journaling, creative coping and talking to trusted people. Public health at community level: A food specialist urged safer food handling during funerals and gatherings to prevent illness from poor hygiene, cross-contamination and improper storage. Inclusive access: Roads Directorate launched inclusive traffic lights with countdown timers and audible buzzers at the State Library intersection to help visually and hearing-impaired pedestrians cross safely. Early childhood support: NECDOL is training reception class teachers to assess children’s learning and development using digital devices. Environment & health link: Revenue Services Lesotho targets planting about 24,000 trees this year to support healthier communities and protect rivers and soil.

Mental Health & Suicide Prevention: At the National University of Lesotho, student nurse Ms Lebohang Motumi warned that unresolved emotional pain can build into crisis, urging people to recognise feelings early and use healthy coping tools like journaling, creative activities, and talking to trusted friends. HIV Treatment Safety: Maseru health teams recovered 160 bottles of expired ARVs (TLD 300/300/50 mg) dumped near the Mabolou River at Ha Thetsane, quarantined them, and warned against unsafe self-medication and improper disposal. Maternal Health & Climate Risks: MPs report climate change is worsening access to maternal care in Mafeteng, where women must cross flooded rivers and travel long distances to reach services, increasing risks during extreme weather and childbirth. Public Health Preparedness: Lesotho received WHO Pandemic Fund equipment worth about US$150,000 (M2.5m) to strengthen disease surveillance and emergency response, including glucose and blood-pressure monitors plus computers. Neglected Tropical Diseases: WHO-supported deworming is set to target over 11,000 children in Qacha’s Nek and other high-risk areas, following 2015 findings of high soil-transmitted helminths. Food Safety: A University of Johannesburg specialist urged safer food handling during funerals and gatherings, warning that poor hygiene and cross-contamination can spread illness. Inclusive Transport: Roads Directorate launched pedestrian traffic signals with countdown timers and audible buzzers to improve safety for visually and hearing-impaired people at the State Library intersection. LGBTIQ+ Inclusion: Lesotho’s 2026 census included questions on gender identity and sexuality, with LGBTIQ+ groups saying it’s the first time they feel counted in national planning. Health System Disruption Risk: A report says the government ordered shutdown of the HM-PIU unit that keeps 226 clinics and hospitals running, raising fears for water, power, sanitation, and safe patient care.

Maternal health & climate risk: MPs warn climate change is worsening access to maternal care in Mafeteng, with women forced to cross flooded rivers and travel long distances to reach remote clinics—raising risks during extreme weather and even unsafe home births. HIV treatment safety: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health recovered 160 bottles of expired ARVs (TLD) dumped near the Mabolou River at Ha Thetsane, stressing proper disposal to prevent misuse and accidental ingestion. Pandemic preparedness boost: WHO’s Pandemic Fund supplied Lesotho with about M2.5 million (US$150,000) in blood-glucose monitors, blood-pressure machines, laptops and computers to strengthen disease surveillance and emergency response ahead of El Niño-related health risks. Neglected tropical diseases: WHO-supported deworming is set to target over 11,000 children (including Qacha’s Nek) after a 2015 survey found high soil-transmitted helminths in several high-risk districts. Food safety at gatherings: A food specialist urges safer hygiene and handling during funerals and large family events to reduce illness from cross-contamination and poor storage. Inclusive transport: Roads Directorate launched traffic lights with countdown timers and audible buzzers at the State Library intersection to help visually and hearing-impaired pedestrians cross safely. Health system continuity concern: Reporting says government has ordered the shutdown of the Health Maintenance Project Implementing Unit (HM-PIU) on 30 September, threatening water, power, sanitation and medical waste services across 226 facilities.

Maternal health under climate pressure: MPs say climate change is worsening access to maternal care and raising gender-based violence risks in Mafeteng, where women must cross flooded rivers and travel long distances to reach services. HIV treatment safety: Maseru recovered 160 bottles of expired ARVs (TLD) dumped near the Mabolou River at Ha Thetsane; the medicines were quarantined and transferred for authorised disposal. Pandemic readiness boost: WHO’s Pandemic Fund supplied Lesotho with about M2.5m (US$150,000) in medical and ICT equipment to strengthen disease surveillance and emergency response. Primary care infrastructure at risk: The government’s planned shutdown of the Health Maintenance Project Implementing Unit (HM-PIU) on 30 Sept 2026 threatens water, power, sanitation and medical waste services across 226 facilities. Public health and hygiene: A food specialist warns that unsafe food handling—especially during funerals and gatherings—could be driving illnesses, urging community-led hygiene practices. Inclusive transport: Roads Directorate launched traffic signals with countdown timers and audible buzzers at the State Library intersection to help visually and hearing-impaired pedestrians. Health education for youth: NECDOL is training reception class teachers to assess children’s learning progress using digital tools. Health-related recall: Woolworths’ WBeauty shampoo was recalled after bacteria detection, with a COMESA alert covering cross-border buyers including Lesotho. Deworming drive: WHO-backed mass drug administration targets over 11,000 Qacha’s Nek children for deworming after earlier NTD findings. El Niño warning for farmers: Research says forecasts alone won’t protect the poorest livestock farmers unless paired with practical support like feed, insurance and market access. LGBTIQ+ inclusion in data: Lesotho’s 2026 census includes questions on gender identity and sexuality, with advocates saying it helps the community feel counted. Local health system connectivity: South Africa’s Vula referral app passed 3 million referrals, including Lesotho, helping rural clinics get specialist input faster.

Maternal health under pressure: MPs say climate change is worsening access to maternal care and raising gender-based violence risks in Mafeteng, where women must cross flooded rivers and travel long distances to reach services. HIV care safety: Maseru DHMT recovered 160 expired ARV bottles (TLD 300/300/50 mg) dumped near the Mabolou River at Ha Thetsane; the medicines are quarantined pending authorised disposal. Pandemic readiness boost: Lesotho received WHO Pandemic Fund medical and IT equipment worth about M2.5 million to strengthen disease surveillance and emergency response. Primary healthcare under threat: Government plans to shut down the Health Maintenance Project Implementing Unit (HM-PIU) on 30 September could disrupt water, power, sanitation and medical waste services across 226 facilities. Food safety warning: A food specialist cautions Basotho against unsafe food handling during funerals and gatherings, urging community-led hygiene education. Inclusive public health access: Roads Directorate launched traffic signals with countdown timers and audible buzzers at the State Library intersection to help visually and hearing-impaired pedestrians cross safely. Community health education: NECDOL is training reception class teachers to use digital tools to assess children’s learning and development. Public health learning spotlight: Lesotho-linked international participation is set for the Eskom Expo ISF, with several projects focused on health and wellbeing. Health system support tech: South Africa’s Vula referral app passed 3 million referrals, including referrals from Lesotho, helping rural clinics get specialist input faster. LGBTIQ+ inclusion: Lesotho’s 2026 census includes questions on gender identity and sexuality, with advocates saying it could shape more inclusive planning. Deworming drive: WHO-backed MDA planning targets thousands of children for deworming, following earlier neglected tropical disease findings. Sports injury (indirect): Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi resumed individual training after a thigh injury, with his availability for AFCON qualifiers including the match vs Lesotho still uncertain.

Health System Funding Shock: Lesotho’s Health Maintenance Project Implementing Unit (HM-PIU) is set to shut down on 30 September 2026, with no handover plan—raising fears that water, power, sanitation, medical waste and ICT support for 226 clinics and hospitals could fail, putting over 1.3 million people at risk. Public Health Support: WHO and the Pandemic Fund handed Lesotho about M2.5 million (US$150,000) in medical and ICT equipment to strengthen disease surveillance and outbreak response, including blood glucose monitors, stethoscopes and laptops/tablets. Food Safety: A University of Johannesburg food specialist warns Basotho to improve hygiene and safe handling during funerals and gatherings to prevent illness from cross-contamination and poor storage. Mental Health: The health ministry says 1 in 4 learners aged 13–17 seriously considered suicide, with many reporting they have nobody to talk to. Neglected Tropical Diseases: WHO-supported mass deworming is set to target about 106,000 children in high-risk districts after a 2015 survey found high soil-transmitted helminths prevalence. Inclusive Transport: Roads Directorate launched traffic signals with countdown timers and audible buzzers at the State Library intersection to help visually and hearing-impaired pedestrians cross safely.

WHO & Pandemic Preparedness: Lesotho has received about M2.5 million (US$150,000) in medical and ICT equipment from the WHO Pandemic Fund to strengthen disease surveillance and faster outbreak response, including blood glucose monitors, stethoscopes, ECG machines, laptops/tablets/modems, and specimen transport materials. Mental Health: The Ministry of Health says 1 in 4 learners aged 13–17 seriously considered suicide, with many reporting they have nobody to talk to, as Lesotho marks World Suicide Prevention Day. Census & Inclusion: Lesotho’s 2026 Population and Housing Census includes questions on gender identity and sexuality, and LGBTIQ+ groups say it’s the first time they feel “seen” in national planning. Deworming Drive: WHO Lesotho is preparing a mass deworming campaign targeting over 11,000 Qacha’s Nek children after a 2015 study found high soil-transmitted helminths prevalence. Early Childhood Learning: NECDOL is training reception class teachers to assess children’s learning and development using digital devices under its School Readiness Initiative. Health Tech in the Region: South Africa’s Vula referral app has passed 3 million referrals, with Lesotho among the countries connected to specialist responses. Food Security: Agriculture Minister Selibe Mochoboroane says low production is largely due to lack of farming knowledge and urges farmers to share skills and get expert support on their fields.