44-year-old Kaizer Mahapa’s battle with MDR-TB shines a spotlight on TB as a major public health concern. Lesotho has the highest incidence of TB in the world, estimated at 614 cases per 100,000. 31 October 2023 by Limpho Sello Kaizer Mahapa relaxes as his Ha Matala home after his 26 October [...]
In many African family settings, open discussions and seeking sexual and reproductive health services by men and boys continue to be regarded as taboo. These deeply ingrained social and gender norms hinder the uptake of SRH (Sexual and Reproductive Health) services among men and boys, often at the expense of [...]
The forced sterilisation of a deaf woman in Lesotho has flagged how families are secretly and illegally sterilising disabled daughters, giving them no say over their sexual and reproductive health rights. This is being done no matter how mild or severe the disability in the name “protecting” them from unwanted [...]
…As the world prepares to commemorate World AIDS Day on December 1, Lesotho is harnessing advanced HIV testing technology to swiftly identify new infections and enrol affected individuals on antiretroviral treatment. This innovative approach has the potential to identify high-risk populations promptly and mitigate the spread of new HIV infections. 19 [...]
20 September 2023 by Pascalinah Kabi ‘Mamalapane Hlabanyane was sterilised by Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital without her knowledge. Credit by Thabelo Monamane This investigative reporting was supported by the International Women’s Media Foundation’s Howard G. Buffett Fund for Women Journalists. The government has sabotaged a legal bid aimed at exposing secret forced [...]
As Lesotho steps up its efforts to curb rates of teen pregnancy, young mothers warn against dumping the responsibility for a complex social and health issue on girls alone. 23 August 2023 by Pascalinah Kabi Peer Educators pose for a picture with UNESCO official Matsooana Sekokotoane with radios used to tune [...]
HIV activist, ‘Malijo Baji, was five months pregnant when a private doctor in Maseru told her to abort her baby and get sterilised because of her HIV+ status. Her story has thrown a spotlight on the pressure HIV+ pregnant women are being put under by medical facilities to get sterilised. [...]
Memories of a bad 2010 epidemic are spurring on the country’s health workers, as leaders say the campaign will run until every child is reached. 9 May 2023 by Pascalinah Kabi Nurse Kekeletso Motiki addresses a measles campaign drive at Ha Jimisi on 20 April 2023. Credit: Pascalinah Kabi “Do not blame us, [...]
Lesotho’s village health workers are doing everything in their power to ensure Basotho children are vaccinated. 9 September 2022 by Monyane Khau Some of the northern region Village Health Workers attending a function in Berea. Credit: Lesotho Times Immunisation is one of the most impactful and cost-effective public health interventions available, averting more than [...]
Despite floods and landslides, Basotho are finding a way to get vaccinated. 16 March 2022 by Monyane Khau A group of people crossing what used to be a bridge connecting the Ha Ramapepe people with their counterparts over the river. Credit: Monyane Khau Despite torrential rains leaving a trail of destruction across the [...]