28 April 2025 by Limpho Sello

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Standing tall with his signature beaded dreadlocks, traditional healer Matela Hlakametsa proudly declared himself as a tuberculosis (TB) champion during the World TB Day commemoration held in Maputsoe, Leribe.

“I am a champion, I mean, a true champion, because I am a man who stood up on his two feet when he realised there was a problem,” Hlakametsa said.

Hlakametsa, a traditional healer from Mazenod, an urban area on the southern outskirts of the capital Maseru, was diagnosed with TB just a week before Christmas in 2023. 

Rather than self-diagnosing and mixing herbs to treat himself when he noticed signs of TB, Hlakametsa quickly chose to seek care at a healthcare facility. 

“I went straight to the nearest health facility to get screened, and it was indeed TB,” Hlakametsa  said.

He quickly added: “My peers in this belief system might have turned to herbs and mistaken TB for poison, or Sejeso. But I am a woke sangoma.”

For Hlakametsa, the choice was different because: “I decided right there and then that I wasn’t going to allow TB to kill me.”

To ensure he would live to tell his story, as he is doing now, Hlakametsa said he did not wait to lose drastic weight or become weak before seeking help and starting treatment immediately.

Mokhothu Makhalanyane, Chairperson of the Social Cluster Parliamentary Portfolio Committee, emphasised that early diagnosis is crucial to ensuring no one dies from this curable disease.

“Early diagnosis must be prioritised. When people feel unwell, they must go to health facilities immediately. If found with TB, their contacts must be traced, and those diagnosed must be initiated on treatment,” Makhalanyane said on April 4, 2025 in Maputsoe, Leribe. 

Healing through true commitment

Hlakametsa’s decision to act swiftly reflects the broader urgency needed in the global fight against TB. His personal commitment to treatment not only saved his life but mirrors the urgency for a collective, global effort to tackle TB.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), TB is a preventable and usually curable disease.

“Yet in 2023, TB probably returned to being the world’s leading cause of death from a single infectious agent… More than 10 million people continue to fall ill with TB every year, and the number has been rising since 2021,” reads the 2024 Global TB Report published by WHO on October 29, 2024.

This report estimates that Lesotho has an incidence rate of around 664 cases per 100,000 population. This incidence is said to be more alarming given that 50 percent of the TB patients are co-infected with HIV.

To win the fight against TB, WHO Lesotho HIV and TB Public Health Officer, Dr Sirak Hailu Bantiewalu, has applauded Lesotho’s 100 percent coverage of drug-resistant TB medication, rapid diagnostics, and decentralisation efforts. 

Sadly, Dr Bantiewalu has raised concerns about pending global funding cuts. “These cuts threaten to derail hard-earned progress, especially in Africa. We must act now,” he warned.

He added: “TB is not just a medical issue. It’s tied to social and economic inequalities, poverty, malnutrition, overcrowded housing, and alcohol abuse.”

He argued that success requires multisectoral action, political leadership, and strong community involvement.

One patient that has demonstrated strong community involvement is traditional healer, Matela Hlakametsa. Hlakametsa said his discipline and dedication to adhering to treatment played a crucial role in his recovery. 

“I was more faithful than a door that always swings the same way. I had a set time to take my medication, and I never missed it—not even a day.”

Separating traditional practices from clinical care

Despite his deep roots in traditional healing, Hlakametsa acknowledged the importance of separating traditional practices from clinical care when necessary.

“As much as I am a sangoma, I don’t have a problem going to a health facility to seek help. We need to distinguish the two. When someone presents with signs of TB, I guide them toward the health system. I don’t confuse TB with witchcraft.

“In fact, I help them understand that what they suspect to be witchcraft may actually be an illness that needs proper treatment.”

He emphasised the role of education and literacy in recognising and confronting such illnesses. 

“I’m thankful I had the privilege of going to school. I can read and write, and that helps me learn and educate others.”

Hlakametsa had a message for his fellow traditional healers: “Let’s not exploit our clients by claiming to treat illnesses we can’t cure. Especially when it’s not witchcraft, but a disease like TB. We need to act responsibly.”

Meanwhile, Mokhothu Makhalanyane has called on the Ministry of Health, Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and development partners to collaborate more closely, proposing the formation of a Public Health Commission to coordinate efforts on TB, HIV, and other pandemics under a multisectoral approach.

“TB has clinical causes but also social determinants, especially poverty. It’s hard to adhere to treatment on an empty stomach. We in Parliament are ready to support you. Don’t delay establishing the commission, we’re already working on launching a TB Caucus in Parliament as part of the solution,” Makhalanyane said.

Makhalanyane believes Lesotho can end TB by integrating services and replicating strategies that succeeded in the fight against HIV.

On his part, Dr Bantiewalu called for the launch of a National Multisectoral Accountability Framework to ensure that all stakeholders uphold their commitments.

“As WHO, we remain committed to supporting Lesotho. But we need bold political commitment, increased investment, and a scale-up in detection and treatment. Without that, we risk losing the fight against TB,” he emphasised.

As various stakeholders, including parliamentarians, government officials, and advocacy groups, work to end TB, Hlakametsa stressed that discipline and dedication from patients are some of key ingredients in the fight against the disease.

“I was more faithful than a door that always swings the same way. I had a set time to take my medication, and I never missed it—not even a day.”