29 January 2025 by Limpho Sello

Hundreds of Basotho employed in U.S.-funded health projects have been instructed to stop reporting for work, effective January 28, 2025.

They have been instructed to stay at home for unspecified days. Some workers were in the field on January 28, 2025, when they were abruptly ordered to cut their assignments short, return to Maseru, and begin the unspecified stay-at-home period.

“This news was broken to us through a Zoom meeting and, in some cases, face-to-face,” explained a source working for a non-governmental organisation financially and technically supported by PEPFAR- and USAID.

The suspension of work in Lesotho follows a recent directive stemming from the U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to halt funding for certain programs. This move has raised concerns about the continuity of critical services in Lesotho and across Africa, particularly in HIV treatment and care.

Ministry of Health Principal Secretary ‘Maneo Moliehi Ntene told Uncensored News that some international health service providers in Lesotho have already received stop-work orders.

“It is true that some partners have received stop-work order,” Ntene said on January 29, 2025.

She added: “So when they have received stop-work order, especially those who offer HIV-related services…”

When asked to comment on the suspension of health sector funding and its impact on Lesotho, U.S. Embassy spokesperson Charles Blake stated that he was unable to provide any details. 

“We have been advised to refer all inquiries regarding the Executive Order to the White House,” Blake said. “I do not have direct contact information but can share the White House website.”

Sudden work suspension shocks workers

On January 29, 2025, an employee at a PEPFAR- and USAID-supported non-governmental organisation (NGO) told Uncensored News the distressing news were conferred to them during a January 28, 2025 zoom meeting.

The source, who works for a Maseru-based NGO, said they were told to immediately stop work and go home. The source said those working in the field received similar instructions through phone calls, ordering them to halt services immediately. 

“There was no further communication apart from being told that we will be notified via email should there be any updates on the way forward,” she said.

The source added: “All NGOs supported by PEPFAR have had their services suspended.” 

Another employee said the abruptness of the announcement left staff members shocked and disoriented. 

“It didn’t wait for everyone to be in one place—some received the news while they were in the field, others in workshops, and some while in the office.” 

The source described the situation as deeply unsettling for both employees and the Ministry of Health. 

“It is very frustrating. The Ministry is frustrated, we are frustrated—everyone is,” explained the source.

“We already had major events and projects planned, and now we don’t know what is going to happen.” 

Beyond professional uncertainty, another source emphasised the personal financial strain the suspension is causing for employees. 

“It’s also stressful for us as workers because we have families to take care of,” she said.

“We have bills, school fees, and loans to pay every month. With this situation, we are left confused and in panic mode about what the future holds.”

Ministry of Health prepares itself

Meanwhile, Ministry of Health Principal Secretary, ‘Maneo Moliehi Ntene reassured the public that the country’s drug supply remains largely secure. She emphasised that the majority of essential medicines, including HIV treatment, are paid by the Lesotho government from its own purse.

“Yes, it’s true there is a small portion that is being bought by partners, but more than 80 percent, we buy them as a country. So, we should not panic too much,” Ntene stated.

“We are going to prepare ourselves to close that gap to ensure that the government purchases all the medication fully.” 

Addressing concerns stemming from the U.S. decision, Ntene said the Ministry of Health is already working on a plan to ensure the continuity of services.

 She stressed that rather than succumbing to fear, the ministry is focusing on solutions. 

“We cannot allow ourselves to panic together with the public, but we have to come up with solutions,” she said. “Things are already in preparation and at a very advanced stage. We will announce how we are going to address this issue at hand.” 

Ntene also revealed that the ministry plans to hold a media briefing soon to inform the public about the steps being taken to mitigate the impact of the funding cut.