United Nations in Lesotho

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Lesotho:

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19 October 2021

The Joint UN Team on AIDS convenes its annual planning meeting …

This meeting gathered against the background of the newly adopted Global AIDs Strategy on HIV and AIDS 2021-2026 and the 2021 UNGA Political Declaration of AIDS which provides a renewed impetus for countries to accelerate progress to end AIDS as a Public Health threat by 2030. The retreat was officially opened by the Resident Coordinator a.i, Ms Betty Wabunoha. Paying her respects to the Government of Lesotho for its efforts in reducing HIV, Ms Wabunoha noted that the country is on track to achieve the 2025 Global targets towards ending AIDS. She however highlighted that whilst this is commendable progress, the country must continue in its collective efforts to end AIDS, adding that the UN family remains committed to the partnership with the government and communities to achieve this goal. She observed that Covid-19 had negatively affected gains to the HIV response and much more effort will be required to mitigate the continued effects of the pandemic in the more vulnerable geographic areas and populations. Speaking at the event, the HIV & AIDS Programme Manager in the Ministry of Health Dr Tapiwa Tarumbiswa conveyed appreciation to the UN family for the support extended to the Ministry of health towards the National HIV response. “The Ministry of Health has developed key HIV policies and guidelines that have provided an enabling environment for the health sector HIV response to more robust, client centered and resilient even during the COVID-19 pandemic,” remarked Dr Tapiwa. He noted that despite the country’s commendable progress in surpassing the global 90-90-90 targets, there are critical gaps that may hinder attainment of Lesotho’s attainment of the political declaration to end AIDS by 2030. These include inequalities that drive the disproportionate HIV burden among young girls and women, LGBTQI, people living with disability, inmates, sex workers and migrants. He called on the Joint UN Team to support leadership and governance of the response; monitor trends and ensure that appropriate and effective policies and strategies are implemented and strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of health to develop comprehensive national strategies so as to implement effective HIV/AIDS activities through out the country, advocatingfor greater political commitment in responding to the epidemic including the mobilization and allocation of adequate resources for HIV/AIDS-related activities. In her remarks, the Acting Chief Executive of the National AIDS Commission Ms. Mamello Letsie emphasized the statutory role that the NAC plays in coordinating the multisectoral HIV and AIDS. She commended the remarkable progress Lesotho has made but noted that reducing new HIV infections remains a priority that requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders. Acknowledging the NAC’s role is complex, Ms Mamello reiterated the Commissions commitment to reinvigorating and accelerating the HIV response to ensure the country achieves the even more ambitious targets in the newly released global AIDS Strategy End inequalities End AIDS. She highlighted the mid-term review of the national HIV strategic plan to be undertaken in the period leading up to the World AIDS Day on 1st of December 2020. She called on the UN’s continued support towards sustainable financing for the HIV response. Civil society participants present at the meeting emphasized that whilst the new global strategy addresses gender inequalities, it is important that to end AIDS, gender is addressed in all its diversities leaving no one behind. Further, they called upon the UN Joint Team to be more deliberate in its meaningful engagement and inclusion of young people in the HIV response globally and locally. By the end of the meeting, the participants had revised the 2019 Joint United National Programme of Support on AIDS, aligned to new global commitments in the 2021 Political Declaration to end AIDS, the new Global Strategy: End Inequalities End AIDS Global strategy to End AIDS by 2030, and the national HIV Strategic Plan. The UNAIDS Country Director noted that stakeholders will continue to provide input into the plan that will guide the implementation by the Joint UN Team on AIDS for the next two years, focusing on priority high impact interventions for Lesotho.

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03 August 2021

UN convenes human rights training for Lesotho Correctional Service officers

Through the National Dialogue process of 2018 and 2019, recommendations were made which included reforms to the security sector in Lesotho, to ensure that security sector agencies conduct their operations in line with international human rights standards. The reforms call for capacity building of officers working in the security sector on human rights. As a party to several international and regional human rights conventions and treaties, Lesotho is under obligation to comply with the human rights commitments that the country has made including the rights of persons deprived of liberty. The Bill of Rights in the Lesotho Constitution provides for rights that are supposed to be protected, promoted and enjoyed by all. There are rights that relate to the treatment of persons deprived of liberty including inmates held in correctional facilities. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) today convened the start of a three-day training for Correctional Service officers in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Resident Coordinator’s Office. The Senior Human Rights Adviser to the UN in Lesotho who spoke on behalf of the acting UN Resident Coordinator quoted a popular saying by one human rights defender who once said: “A society should be judged not by how it treats its outstanding citizens but by how it treats its criminals”. Among other topics such as “Human Rights Principles of Good Prison Management”, the training will further sensitize correctional service officers on the rights of inmates, other correctional service employees and the community at large. “I hope this training will remind you all of your duty to respect and ensure that the rights of inmates are respected, because they also have rights” remarked Assistant Commissioner of the Lesotho Correctional Services, Mr Sekila Joel Majara. This training of trainers (ToT) is a part of a training programme which will identify trainers who will be equipped with knowledge, skills and tools for conducting human rights training to fellow correctional officers throughout the country.

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19 October 2021

‘I see change in the lives of the people’: King Letsie III of Lesotho commends FAO work in Lesotho

His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho, FAO Special Goodwill Ambassador for Nutrition, toured several project sites in Lesotho’s Mafeteng and Thaba-Tseka districts where the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is implementing activities to restore land and water resources (ecosystem services) and improve food and nutrition security. “I am happy with the work of FAO in the communities. I see change in the lives of the people where the project was implemented, and the testimonies from the farmers themselves is a confirmation. Better nutrition has improved relations in households. I wish the achievements of the project could spread to the whole country,” King Letsie III said. “I am proud to have a special relationship with FAO.” The project “Strengthening Capacity for Climate Change Adaptation through Support to Integrated Watershed Management in Lesotho” was funded by the Global Environment Fund (GEF) through the Least Developed Countries Fund. The project has strengthened climate change adaptation through improved watershed management. Implemented since 2015, it has promoted protection of land and water resources through an integrated approach and, strengthened and diversified the livelihoods of the most vulnerable people so that they can better respond to climate change impacts. It has benefited local communities in most vulnerable livelihood zones by rehabilitating their rangelands and water sources and making them realize notable and progressive improvement in their production systems, especially in homestead vegetable production. As a result, communities produce enough fodder and have access to water both for their livestock and household use. Nutrition has improved, and they have been supported to engage in other income-generating activities to diversify their livelihoods. During the visit, King Letsie III inaugurated water storage tanks and animal drinking points constructed under the project to facilitate access to water for communities and their livestock. He commended FAO work in improving the lives of the communities and urged the communities to sustain the gains. Availing water to reduce vulnerability Lesotho faces fragile and substantially degraded soils and disappearing vegetation. Farmers rely on rainfall for food production and for their livestock. FAO built infrastructure to help vulnerable communities access water through simple and appropriate water harvesting technologies such as ground water dams, roof water tanks, earth dams, and animal drinking points. The farmers now have access to water to grow fodder for their livestock which has improved productivity. “Conserving the rangelands has helped water recharge, and catchments have enough water for livestock and households. We now have healthy springs. We were trained to manage the rangeland including removing invasive shrubs that outcompeted the growth of desirable and palatable grass species,” said Serobanyane Matete, Linakeng village Chief in Thaba-Tseka. Better nutrition for healthy households The benefiting households received chicken, rabbits, pigs, and assorted vegetable varieties to improve the household’s dietary composition. “We were trained to grow diverse varieties of vegetables in keyhole gardens and under shade net covers all year round. Our families now eat a balanced diet - eggs, meat, and vegetables. Conflict in households has reduced drastically,” said ‘Mamokeretla Sebeta of Matlatseng village in Thaba-Tseka. “Our husbands and youth no longer want to move to urban areas to look for work because the project introduced us to income-generating activities that are more profitable,” she added. In a bid to reduce burden on the environment, farmers were equipped with skills to engage in other income generating activities such beekeeping. Beekeepers received essential equipment used in their work such as beehives, protective gear, a swarm catcher with a telescopic handle, bee smokers, draining sieves, a bee brush, and honey extractors. The project also strengthened the technical capacity of national and district level staff and institutions on sustainable land and water management and climate-resilient livelihood strategies. The 4-year project worked with partners in the country including the Ministry of Forestry, Range and Soil Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Ministry of Energy and Meteorology, Ministry of Water Affairs, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftainship, Department of Environment, and National University of Lesotho.

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14 October 2021

“I no longer have to rely on my children for food...”

In Lesotho, many families go hungry during the lean season (between October and March). This is called the ‘lean season’ when food runs out before the new harvest comes. The sharp, cold wind sweeps over the escarpment cutting through an otherwise sunny, pleasant day in Ha Mojakisane; Phatlalatsa village in the district of Mokhotlong, one of the districts where WFP has ongoing emergency food assistance to offset the impact of drought. Today is distribution day and the village is teeming with activity. Families from across the area make their way to Mr. Nkhahle’s shop, a contracted WFP local retailer. Maseribane , is the head of her family and receives WFP's drought emergency assistance. Sitting outside her house, savouring the warmth of the sun, she explains that her life is a constant struggle — at the age of 68, she is the sole provider for her five grandchildren who range in age from 3 to 12. “I have nine surviving children, who are also struggling to make a living and some have migrated for work and only come home once per year,” she says. “Its hard to rely on them for food and other households requirements when they are also struggling to provide for their families.” Lesotho is extremely vulnerable to climate change and the past few years have been plagued by drought and poor harvests. The Lesotho Vulnerability Assessment Committee (LVAC) conducted a rapid assessment in May 2020 and projected that the number of food insecure will rise to 380,000 people from July to September 2020. The number has more than doubled to 582,000 people considered severely food-insecure and in need of humanitarian assistance between October 2020 and March 2021. Maseribane owns a vegetable garden but has not planted anything due to drought and lack of money to buy vegetable seeds. “I do not own a field, I only have this vegetable garden. But this season, I had no money to buy seeds as business was not good and there were few jobs working in other people’s fields.” Maseribane and her family are among some households that receive monthly drought emergency assistance from the World Food Programme (WFP) thanks to donors such as the USAID/FFP. Each household received USD 54.75 per month through cash or commodity voucher that beneficiaries can exchange for a nutritious food basket comprising of maize meal, flour, protein (eggs, tinned fish, milk) and iron-rich foods (split peas, beans, wholegrain cereals); all redeemable at a contracted local retailer shop while cash is offered through Vodacom Mpesa mobile money to allow beneficiaries the flexibility to buy other foods and non-food essential items. COVID-19 is adding to the woes of people like Maseribane. As schools across the country are closed to contain the spread of the disease, children — including four of her grandchildren — are not receiving their daily school meal, which places further strain on food insecure families. Before receiving the assistance, her life was a daily struggle, she relied on selling home-brewed beer for a living. At times, she relied on odd jobs and these were hard to find in her neighbourhood since the implementation of COVID-19 lockdowns in March 2020. For this loving grandmother, the assistance she receives is easing her mind from the constant worry of what she will put on the table every day. “I am so grateful for the assistance that I receive from WFP because I no longer have to rely on my children for meals and this is also a relief to them. Together with my grandkids, we are able to eat healthy meals every day and I am able to save the little that I make from my business for other household items. I wish that every family in Lesotho could have this privilege. At my age, it is my wish that in the future, my grandchildren do not have to constantly worry about what they will eat. When you are hungry, you cannot think of much else, your mind is always consumed,” Maseribane concludes.

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06 October 2021

Raising faith in COVID-19 vaccines in Lesotho

Myths and misinformation around COVID-19 vaccines are rife in Lesotho, where over 85% of nearly 500 health workers surveyed recently report widespread misconceptions. A rapid survey, conducted in July by the World Health Organization (WHO) the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners covering five of Lesotho’s 10 districts showed conspiracy theories may be driving up fear, confusion and reluctance to get vaccinated in this highly religious society. “My biggest fear was to be dragged into some cult and get the mark of the beast, so I watched and waited for others to get vaccinated to observe their health and behaviours,” says Mamookho Masamane, a church leader in the northern region of Leribe. It is estimated that over 90% of people in Lesotho are Christian, and religious leaders are loved, respected and followed. The church provides over 40% of Lesotho’s health services through a network of hospitals, health centres and nursing colleges. “We understand our calling is not just church-based, but it is also community-based. We are trusted by people and what we communicate can influence their decisions,” says Mapoloko Mabena, Secretary of the Christian Council of Lesotho in the northern city of Butha-Buthe. With support from WHO and the Christian Council of Lesotho, the Ministry of Health is training religious leaders to spread life-saving facts on COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines. “Prior to each training, participants are asked how much they know about COVID-19 vaccines. Most say they have very limited information, while some say they have no information at all, so we’re working to build up this knowledge,” says WHO Immunization Officer Selloane Maepe. Six training sessions for 50 religious leaders have taken place in five of Lesotho’s 10 districts so far, starting with the northern districts of Berea, Leribe, and Butha-Buthe, as well as Mafeteng and in the capital, Maseru, which have all been hit hard by COVID-19. “I never believed in this vaccine. I never wanted to take it myself or to encourage others to get it, but through this teaching I realized that a lack of information is actually a sin and getting vaccinated is important. I will share what I learned with everyone in my village, with friends and my church-mates.” says Mamookho Masamane at a training session in Leribe. With a population of 2.1 million, Lesotho has recorded over 14 000 cases of COVID-19 and over 400 deaths. Nearly 10% of the population have received a first COVID-19 vaccine dose. “The ability of religious leaders to effectively participate in responding to outbreaks depends on their understanding of them,” says Dr Richard Banda, WHO Representative in Lesotho. “These workshops aim to impart knowledge to religious leaders as they play a crucial role in community mobilization, raising awareness, dispelling myths and misconceptions, boosting vaccine acceptance and bringing compromises where public health measures are considered to be discordant with religious values.” The Ministry of Health, WHO and partners have five further workshops planned with religious and community leaders in five districts in the next month.

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17 August 2021

Encouraging community members to get vaccinated...

Lesotho began its first vaccination campaign in March 2021. The country has received 72 000 doses of AstraZeneca and 302 400 doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine through the COVAX facility. The first phase of the national vaccine rollout provided the initial vaccine dose to over 40 000 health workers and people with comorbidities. In addition, over 32 000 people have received their second dose and have been fully vaccinated. UNICEF has supported the government of Lesotho in obtaining and administering the vaccine, availability of cold chain storage to store the vaccines, and demand creation and risk communication activities to improve public perception and acceptance of the vaccine. This is the story of Thabo Masia, a 53-year-old village health worker from Moshoeshoe II in Maseru. Thabo has received his 1st vaccination dose and encourages people within his community to get vaccinated. “Our role is to give health services to people in the community. On the issue of COVID19, there has been a lot of misleading information that misguided people. Because people no longer attend public gatherings, we had to resort to a door-to-door outreach campaign where we approach people with chronic illness and encourage them to get vaccinated as well as providing them with the right information.” He further explains that being a health worker entails more than just doing advocacy work but also assisting sick people and ensuring they take their medication. “Patients in the village come to me because the health centers give us medication to dispense to patients and keep daily records. Some of our patients are HIV/AIDS patients. We also help them in the community to access their medication. Our job is also to make sure that infants get all their necessary injections from the time of birth.” Finally, as a health care worker, he is delighted that the second batch of AstraZeneca vaccines arrived: “I am happy that the second dose of the vaccine has arrived because I am afraid of COVID19 because it is killing people in high numbers. So, I am happy that I got a chance to get vaccinated. That’s what helped us convince people to get vaccinated.” In the coming months and years, UNICEF Lesotho will continue to support the government of Lesotho to vaccinate its citizens so that essential services continue to reach people who need them the most.

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Press Release

20 September 2021

Japan renews commitment to food and nutrition assistance in Lesotho

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated food insecurity in the country as sources of livelihoods (casual labour, remittances, crop sales, petty trade, livestock sales or sale of livestock products) remain slightly lower than normal. It is estimated that some 312,000 Basotho will face acute food insecurity and require urgent humanitarian assistance, between October 2020 and March 2021. “The support from Japan has come at a critical time when WFP is appealing for more resources to respond to increasing humanitarian needs,” said Ms. Aurore Rusiga, WFP Lesotho Representative and Country Director. “The timely contribution will reach the most vulnerable Basotho children in the form of a hot and nutritious meal, allowing them to remain in school and as such to reach their full potential.” Results from the latest Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) Food Insecurity Analysis of August 2021 predict that currently (September 2021) about 179,000 people are facing high acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3) and require humanitarian action to reduce food gaps, protect and restore livelihood and prevent acute malnutrition. Japan has been one of the most consistent donors to WFP Lesotho having donated over JPY 1 billion (US$10 million) since 2014. The online ceremony was attended virtually by the Ambassador of the Embassy of Japan in Pretoria, His Excellency Mr. Norio Maruyama and WFP southern Africa Regional Director, Mr. Menghestab Haile. “The donation will help meet the heightened need for food assistance during this unprecedented time. Together we can work towards reducing the country’s development challenges, and strengthening our bilateral relations through humanitarian assistance,” said His Excellency Ambassador Norio Maruyama “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Government of Japan for this direct investment in the future of our country through the national school feeding programme,” said Mamookho Phiri, Honourable Minister of Education and Training. “This invaluable donation will complement the maize meal and highly fortified nutritious porridge that the children are currently enjoying and make a tangible difference to the lives of Basotho children across the nation.”
The contribution supports the National School Feeding Programme, which aims to ensure that vulnerable pre-primary school children in Lesotho have access to adequate, safe and nutritious food all year round.
The Government of Japan has been contributing towards humanitarian food assistance in developing countries since 1968 and is a long-standing partner of WFP in Lesotho.

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Press Release

26 July 2021

United States Government donates 302 400 doses of COVID-19 Vaccine to Lesotho

Today, Lesotho receives 302 400 doses of Johnson&Johnson COVID19 vaccines donated by the United States Government. The donation comes following close collaboration between the COVAX facility, the African Union (AU)/ African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT), and the United States Government. "Over the last year, the United States has continued its global leadership in public health and the international COVID-19 response. We have moved swiftly to help the Kingdom of Lesotho control the spread of COVID-19, and we will continue to support the vaccine rollout with trusted implementing partners and the Ministry of Health," said Ambassador Gonzales of the US Embassy in Lesotho. "We are pleased to see partners, such as the US Government, working together to ensure the equitable access and timely delivery of vaccines in Africa”. said Kimanzi Muthingi, Deputy Representative UNICEF Lesotho. “Every vaccines arrival to Lesotho is a significant moment. UNICEF remains committed to partner with the Government of Lesotho so that all who are eligible have access to COVID-19 vaccines as they become available." This is the third delivery of many that will be allocated to Lesotho in the coming months. The COVAX Facility is working to accelerate the development of and access to COVID-19 vaccines. Today’s delivery of vaccines contributes to the AVAT goal of achieving 60% coverage across the African continent by 2022 As the vaccine is rolled out, all Basotho are encouraged to continue wearing a mask, washing their hands regularly, avoiding crowded places, and practicing social distancing. What is COVAX? COVAX is co-led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), working in partnership with UNICEF and the World Bank, civil society organizations, manufacturers, and others. In addition, COVAX is part of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, a ground-breaking global collaboration to accelerate development, production, and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines. COVAX has built a diverse portfolio of vaccines suitable for a range of settings and populations and is on track to meet its goal of delivering at least 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to participating countries around the globe by the end of 2021. This includes at least $ 1.3 billion in donor-funded doses to the 92 lower-income COVAX Facility participants supported by the Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC). For several months, COVAX partners have been supporting governments and partners to prepare for this moment. They have been especially active in working with some of the world's poorest countries: those that will benefit from the AMC, an innovative financial mechanism to help secure global and equitable access for COVID-19 vaccines. This entails assisting with the development of national vaccination plans, support for cold chain infrastructure, as well as stockpiling of half a billion syringes and safety boxes for their disposal, masks, gloves, and other equipment to ensure that there is enough equipment for health workers to start vaccinating priority groups as soon as possible.

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Press Release

04 May 2021

Starting their New Life - 60 vulnerable returnees and youth graduate from St. Mary Mazzarello

Among the 180 beneficiaries who received skills training through the project, 60 of them have already graduated from the College of Cooperative Entrepreneurship and Business Studies (CCBES) in February and March 2021 and started their own business in their respective districts. On 1 May 2021, another 60 beneficiaries graduated from St. Mary Mazzarello Vocational Training Centre (VTC). 17 beneficiaries learned catering and decoration, 13 beneficiaries learned computer, 13 learned sewing/fashion design, and 17 learned hairdressing. The Graduates are from Qacha’s Nek (17 persons), Quthing (18 person), Mohales Hoek (21 persons) and Mafeteng (4 persons) districts. In her remarks, The Principal of the St. Mary Mazzarello, Sister Cecillia Motanya stated, ‘’St. Mary Mazzarello VTC was established in early 1990’s when women had no access to secondary education and women’s rights were not recognized in the society. Our objective is to empower women through skills training and transform them to be women of honor, women who can stand for their rights and bring positive changes to their community.’’ She further stated; ‘’We are happy for our partnership with IOM in this project as the empowerment of young women and men is what we believe is our mission’’. In her remarks, Head of Office IOM Lesotho, Ms. Eriko Nishimura acknowledged the students’ commitment and tireless efforts to gain new skills at St. Mary Mazzarello VTC and congratulated on their successful completion of their skills training. She remarked, ‘’Money can be consumed even today and it will be gone. Skills you have gained will not disappear and it will remain with you forever. Skills training have transformed you completely. When you came here, you were vulnerable youth, but now, you are a confident and empowered youth who can bring positive changes to your community where you are coming from’’. Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Education, TVET, Mr. Thabang Mokotjo said; ‘’Leadership is influence. When you go back to your community, you are young community leaders as you now have a skill. So you can influence your community and market your products’’. He also said; ‘’Hairdressing and manicure is one of the skills in demand. I am happy that St. Mazarello VTC is among the first VTCs to offer this training’’. Lastly, he commented that the Ministry of Education is always ready to support the growth of VTCs, reduce the skills mismatch between the VTC and industrial needs, and once again congratulated students and St. Mary Mazarello VTC on the successful completion of the skills training.
Speaking on behalf of the entire beneficiaries, Ms. Mammopa Masiloane, Student representative, thanked UK Aid and the Government of Japan for availing the skills training opportunity. She stated; “What we have learned here in the past three months will not go to waste. We have become leaders in our own right and we shall demonstrate this in our communities to empower other young people. Our dreams have become a reality because of this opportunity and we are forever indebted to UK Aid and the Government of Japan for their support.’’
The skills training was funded by a generous support from UK Aid and the Government of Japan.

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Press Release

04 March 2021

Lesotho receives its first shipment of the COVID-19 Vaccine

The deliveries mark the beginning of what will be the largest, most complex global roll-out of vaccines in history. The COVAX Facility plans to deliver at least 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of this year. This is an unprecedented global effort to make sure all citizens have access to vaccines.
“This is a momentous occasion,” said Dr. Richard Banda, WHO Representative for Lesotho. “COVID-19 has taken a toll on countries around the world and Lesotho is no exception. We know this is the first step and we congratulate the Government of Lesotho, especially the Ministry of Health for its tireless efforts to protect Basotho and contain the spread of the virus.
Lesotho will today receive 36, 000 vaccines as part of an initial tranche of deliveries of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine licensed to the Serum Institute of India, which represents part of the first wave of COVID-19 vaccines headed to several low and middle-income countries.
“We know the only way out of this crisis is to ensure that vaccinations are available for all,” Anurita Bains, UNICEF Representative for Lesotho and acting UN Resident Coordinator. “It’s a historic day for the country and as the UN we stand ready to support the successful roll-out of the vaccine programme.”
The shipment today is the first tranche of many that will be allocated to Lesotho in the coming months and year through the COVAX Facility, which is working to accelerate the development of and access to COVID-19 vaccines. The facility is co-led by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization (WHO) working in partnership with UNICEF as well as the World Bank, manufacturers, civil society organizations, and others.
We also acknowledge the immense contributions to the COVAX Facility from key partners who are also supporting the Kingdom of Lesotho, including: The US Government recently contributed $2 billion to the COVAX facility. As the largest donor to COVAX, the US government is committed to supporting the international COVID-19 response, which is critical to ending this pandemic. “Over the last year, the United States government has moved swiftly to support the local response to control the spread of COVID-19,” said US Ambassador Rebecca Gonzales. “We will continue to support the vaccine rollout with trusted implementing partners and the Ministry of Health.” The European Union has made €1 billion contribution to the COVAX Facility. The EU and its Member States have been one of the lead contributors to COVAX with over €2.2 billion. Through these contributions, the European Union and its partners have secured purchase options for COVID-19 vaccines for all the participants in the COVAX Facility. “The EU is committed to ensuring that everyone who needs a vaccine gets it,” said EU Ambassador to Lesotho Christian Manahl. “Because we will only be safe if the whole world is safe. We are in a race against the virus and COVAX is our best hope that all our partners, in Africa and elsewhere, have access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines.” The UK Government is proud to be one of the biggest donors to COVAX, helping to secure over one billion doses for vulnerable populations around the world. The UK has contributed £548 million (or over $765-million) to the COVAX facility. “The UK is delighted to see vaccines arriving “on the ground” in Lesotho, said British High Commissioner to Lesotho, Anne Macro. “This is a testament to the hard work of the Lesotho Government, Ministry of Health, and its partners in the UN and NGO sector in undertaking all the necessary advance preparation.” What is COVAX?
COVAX is co-led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), working in partnership with UNICEF as well as the World Bank, civil society organizations, manufacturers, and others. COVAX is part of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, a ground-breaking global collaboration to accelerate development, production, and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines.
COVAX has built a diverse portfolio of vaccines suitable for a range of settings and populations, and is on track to meet its goal of delivering at least 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to participating countries around the globe by the end of 2021, including at least 1.3 billion donor-funded doses to the 92 lower-income COVAX Facility participants supported by the Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC). For several months, COVAX partners have been supporting governments and partners in readiness efforts, in preparation for this moment. They have been especially active in working with some of the world’s poorest countries: those that will benefit from the Advance Market Commitment (AMC), an innovative financial mechanism to help secure global and equitable access for COVID-19 vaccines. This includes assisting with the development of national vaccination plans, support for cold chain infrastructure, as well as stockpiling of half a billion syringes and safety boxes for their disposal, masks, gloves and other equipment to ensure that there is enough equipment for health workers to start vaccinating priority groups as soon as possible.

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Press Release

24 February 2021

Transforming Lives: 15 returnees and vulnerable youth start a new life chapter

On February 22 2021, 15 youth from Qacha’s Nek District have graduated from the skills training at College Cooperative formulation and Entrepreneurship Business Services (CCEBS) in Mafeteng district. They have acquired skills to manufacture hand sanitizers, body lotion, petroleum jelly, dried soup, beverage, dish washer and other items. The product is organic and made of the locally available materials such as rose hip and aloe vera.
In his remarks, Director of CCEBS, Mr. Ramoorosi, explained about the importance of becoming ‘’producer and become entrepreneurs (create job themselves)’’ rather than “waiting for somebody to employ them.’’ The Director encouraged the students to be creative and bold as they became entrepreneurs. Head of Office IOM Lesotho, Ms Eriko Nishimura stated that one of IOM's key mandates is to ensure vulnerable migrants could be exposed to life changing opportunities and expressed her sincere appreciation to the UK Aid as donor and CCEBS as a committed partner. On Behalf of the United Kingdom High Commission in Lesotho, Ms. Lineo Tsikoane thanked IOM for the efforts to improve the lives of Basotho. When talking to the students, she said; “we hope you will be exemplary and that this training has truly improved your lives” she quoted a famous proverb which says “give a man fish, you will feed him for a day, teach a man how to fish and you will feed him for a lifetime.”
A student representative thanked IOM for the support which she said has truly impacted on their lives. She said that they considered this training to be an honor and a great privilege. She reflected on how some of them had previously crossed the border to South Africa often through unofficial channels in search of work. She said that this effort had brought them together and that because their group is from Qachas Nek, they were intent on forming a society that would help them market and sell their products.

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