AGP Executive Report

India-Africa Summit: The 4th India-Africa Forum Summit opens in New Delhi on 28–31 May under “Innovation, Resilience and Inclusive Transformation,” with India’s High Commissioner saying Kenya is a key partner across trade, digital, healthcare, education and maritime security. Lesotho Access to Care: In Qacha’s Nek, patients at Whitehill in Qacha’s Nek are already lining up at the Senqu River for the free boat to Tebellong Hospital—private boats cost money, and floods can disrupt check-ups. Food Security at School: Motimposo Primary School is using a porridge push after hunger incidents left learners fainting and even vomiting blood; the wider problem is food insecurity affecting hundreds of thousands of Basotho. Community Resilience: In Quthing, councilors were sensitized on IACoV II, a WFP-backed climate resilience project funded by the Adaptation Fund. Health-Policy Tensions Regionally: Zambia is pushing back on a US $2bn health deal tied to critical minerals and health data-sharing demands.

Sentebale in Lesotho and Botswana: The HIV-focused charity co-founded by Prince Harry says it has appointed two new trustees and completed regulator-required actions, while reporting Q1 2026 delivery to 35,000+ children and young people and starting work on a 2027–2030 strategy. Access to care in Lesotho: In Qacha’s Nek, patients at Whitehill are waiting for a free boat to reach Tebellong Hospital—because private boats cost money—highlighting how transport delays can decide who gets treatment. Safe childbirth still gaps: Across Africa, experts argue maternal deaths persist less from lack of medical know-how and more from weak leadership, coordination, and accountability. Food insecurity hits learners: At Motimposo Primary School, a porridge initiative is stepping in after hunger-related fainting and illness, as Lesotho faces major food insecurity pressures. Road safety and violence: In South Africa’s Free State, police are investigating a deadly R26 ambush that left four dead and one critically injured, with Lesotho-registered vehicles involved. Health systems funding pressure: Reports warn that donor cuts and shifting priorities are straining programmes across Africa, raising the stakes for local financing.

Road access and health gaps: In Ha Ramakhetheng, residents say they trek hours to reach clinics and shops because there are no taxis and the nearest services are far—leaving the elderly and sick stuck at home. Safe childbirth still slips: Across Africa, experts argue maternal deaths persist less from lack of medical knowledge and more from weak leadership, coordination and accountability. Hunger hits classrooms: At Motimposo Primary School in Lesotho, a “morning porridge” push is helping learners who were fainting from prolonged hunger; the 2025 Lesotho Vulnerability Assessment links food insecurity to drought, low production and high prices. HIV prevention pressure: An HIV-free generation is “closer,” but shortages and limited access to testing and prenatal care still threaten progress. Governance and compliance: Sentebale says it has completed regulator-required actions after appointing two new trustees. Crime watch: South Africa’s Free State police are investigating a deadly R26 ambush near Tweeling where four were killed and one was critically injured.

Safe Motherhood Accountability: Experts say Africa’s maternal mortality crisis isn’t about missing medical know-how—it’s about weak leadership, coordination, and accountability, with UNICEF estimating 260,000 global pregnancy/childbirth deaths in 2023 and sub-Saharan Africa carrying most of the burden. Child Health & HIV Prevention: A push for an “HIV-free generation” is gaining momentum, but families still struggle to access testing and prenatal care; in Eswatini, demand for twice-yearly HIV prevention injections is outpacing supply. Education Pressure: New data shows more than 100 million African children and adolescents are still out of school, and progress is stalling—an issue that hits health outcomes too. Lesotho Access to Care: In Qacha’s Nek, patients wait by the Senqu River for a free hospital boat to Tebellong Hospital, while those who can’t afford private transport are delayed or left out. Local Health & Resilience: Lesotho’s Vulnerability Assessment is underway to map food and nutrition risks, as hunger drives school support like Motimposo’s porridge initiative. Community Health Tech: A Maseru school installed a hydroponic system to build practical skills for youth and food resilience.

Home Affairs Budget Vote: Deputy Minister Njabulo B Nzuza used the Home Affairs Budget Vote debate to push a “culture change” agenda—aiming for a more modern, secure, efficient, and citizen-centred department. Deadly Road Attack: In South Africa’s Free State, police are investigating a highway ambush near Tweeling on 14 May that left four people dead and a fifth critically injured after gunmen opened fire on a vehicle with Kingdom of Lesotho plates; the motive and identities are still unclear. Food Security Push: In Lesotho, a Motimposo school porridge initiative is helping learners who have been going without food—highlighting how hunger is still driving fainting and illness. Health Policy & Science: WHO is urging Basotho to stand with science as Lesotho rolls out new HIV prevention tools like lenacapavir, while also warning that health threats are rising. Regional Context: Across the week, South Africa’s anti-migrant backlash and clinic/school blockades added pressure to health access and regional relations.

Road Violence Probe: Four people were killed and a fifth was left critically injured in a highway ambush near Tweeling on the R26, after gunmen allegedly used vehicles with Kingdom of Lesotho registration plates to trap a Honda Fit before firing. Police say about six suspects emerged from a green Mercedes-Benz and a second Honda, then fled; identities and motive are still unconfirmed, and investigators are urging witnesses to come forward. Local Governance & Home Affairs: Deputy Minister Njabulo B Nzuza delivered the Home Affairs 2026/27 Budget Vote, stressing a shift toward a “citizen-centred” department through culture change and improved service delivery. Food Security at School: In Motimposo, a “morning porridge” push is helping learners who have been going without food for over a day, after hunger-related incidents at the school. Health System Access: Basotho patients in Qacha’s Nek continue to rely on a free boat service to reach Tebellong Hospital, highlighting how transport delays can shape who gets care. Nurses Day: Lesotho marked International Nurses Day in Maseru, with calls for professionalism, unity, and nurses’ mental wellbeing.

Violence and access to care: Free State police are still searching for suspects after a shooting on the R26 near Tweeling left four people dead and a fifth critically injured; police say the victims were travelling in a Honda with Lesotho plates when gunmen opened fire from two vehicles, and the motive is still unknown. Local health access: In Qacha’s Nek, patients waiting at the Senqu River for the free boat to Tebellong Hospital say transport delays and private boat costs can decide who gets care on time. Food insecurity at school: At Motimposo Primary, a “morning porridge” push is helping learners who have gone 24 hours without food, after hunger-related incidents like fainting and vomiting blood. Health system pressure: WHO is urging Basotho to “stand with science,” pointing to new tools like Lenacapavir while warning that climate impacts and strained systems keep health risks rising. Policy and services: Deputy Home Affairs Minister Njabulo Nzuza delivered the 2026/27 Budget Vote, focusing on making services more modern and citizen-centred.

India-Africa Summit: India is set to host the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi from 28–31 May 2026, aiming to deepen cooperation across politics, security, trade, development and people-to-people links, with the “New Delhi Declaration” expected to map next steps. Food insecurity at school: In Motimposo, a porridge initiative is restoring hope after learners reportedly fainted and even vomited blood linked to hunger; the 2025 Lesotho Vulnerability Assessment flags over 524,000 Basotho facing food insecurity. Health access across the river: Qacha’s Nek patients wait at the Senqu River for free boat transport to Tebellong Hospital, with private boats charging fees—turning healthcare access into a daily waiting game. HIV prevention shortage: In Eswatini, demand for the twice-yearly Lenacapavir PrEP injection is outpacing supply, leaving clinics with dwindling doses. Local governance & climate: Community councilors in Quthing were sensitized on IACoV II, a UN-backed project building climate resilience and anticipatory action. Workplace safety: South Africa’s clothing sector faces fresh scrutiny over alleged sweatshop conditions and underpayment.

Sweatshop Scrutiny: South Africa’s clothing sector is back in the spotlight after court filings and political claims about “sweatshop” pay and long shifts, with retailers named as respondents and calls for tougher action. School Feeding Hope: In Motimposo, a porridge initiative is helping learners who have been fainting from hunger, after food insecurity pressures linked to drought and high prices. Violence on the Road: Gunmen attacked travellers on South Africa’s R26, killing four and leaving one critically injured, with investigations ongoing. Health Access by River: In Qacha’s Nek, patients wait for a free boat to reach Tebellong Hospital—because private transport costs too much, and flooding can delay care. HIV Prevention Supply Strain: In Eswatini, demand for a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection is outpacing early supplies, leaving some clinics with very limited doses. Nurses Day in Lesotho: Nurses in Maseru marked International Nurses Day, urging professionalism and care for their own wellbeing. Climate Adaptation Planning: Councillors were sensitized on a climate resilience project aimed at protecting food-insecure communities. Trade and Aid Debate: Public comments around AGOA stress that wellbeing and labour standards must come before corporate interests.

School Feeding Relief: At Motimposo Primary in Maseru, a local MP-backed push to serve warm soft porridge before classes is helping learners who have been fainting and even vomiting blood after days without food. Food Insecurity Watch: The 2025 Lesotho Vulnerability Assessment flags 524,000 Basotho facing food insecurity, driven by drought, low production and high prices—meaning school meals are often the only reliable nutrition. Violence Alert: In South Africa, gunmen attacked travellers on the R26 route, killing four and leaving one critically injured, with investigations ongoing. Health Access Reality: In Qacha’s Nek, patients still wait on the Senqu River for a free boat to Tebellong Hospital—especially when private transport costs keep chronic care out of reach. Nurses Day Focus: Lesotho marked International Nurses Day, urging empowered, professional nursing and better support for wellbeing.

Immigration Tensions: A fresh debate in South Africa is being framed as “misdirected,” with commentators warning that blaming migrants won’t fix unemployment and inequality—and that turning frustration into xenophobic violence only deepens harm. Local Health Access: In Qacha’s Nek, patients at Whitehill are still relying on a free boat to reach Tebellong Hospital across the Senqu River, with flooding and transport costs delaying care. HIV Prevention Supply: In Eswatini, demand for the twice-yearly HIV prevention injection is outpacing supplies, leaving clinics with only weeks of doses. Lesotho Health Leadership: International Nurses Day was marked in Maseru under “Our Nurses, Our Future,” with calls for professionalism and better support for nurses’ wellbeing. TB Focus in Parliament: Lesotho’s new TB Caucus signals stronger political backing for a disease worsened by HIV co-infection. Climate & Food Security: Community councilors were sensitized on Phase II of a climate adaptation project to protect vulnerable, food-insecure households. Infrastructure With Health Links: Maseru’s FSC Stadium of Life opens, tied to Kick4Life’s social development work.

River Access, Health Equity: At Whitehill in Qacha’s Nek, patients are already lined up at 9am for the free boat to Tebellong Hospital across the Senqu River—because private boats charge, and for many Basotho, getting care starts with waiting. Maternal & Chronic Care Strain: Families bring children and travel for routine check-ups and chronic medication, but floods can disrupt visits and push people to miss appointments. HIV Prevention Supply Gap: Across the region, demand for twice-yearly HIV prevention injections is outpacing supplies, with early stock nearly depleted in Eswatini and limited doses reaching clinics. Local Health Leadership: Lesotho marked International Nurses Day in Maseru, urging nurses to protect professionalism and also look after their mental wellbeing. Food-Climate Pressure: A Lesotho vulnerability assessment is underway with WFP support, while climate adaptation work continues to build community resilience for food-insecure households.

HIV Supply Strain: In parts of Africa, demand for the twice-yearly HIV prevention injection Lenacapavir is outpacing supply, leaving vulnerable communities behind; in Eswatini, rollout expanded to 27 sites but initial stocks were nearly depleted after fast uptake, with charities reporting only a few doses reaching clinics. Food–Climate–Water Pressure: A new Africa framework highlights how conflicts, climate shocks, and water stress are tightening the food crisis across the continent. Lesotho Climate Adaptation: Quthing councillors were sensitized on IACoV II, a five-year Adaptation Fund-backed project with WFP support to strengthen long-term anticipatory action, including climate information and local resilience projects. TB Focus in Parliament: Lesotho’s TB Caucus was launched, with leaders stressing TB’s link to HIV and the need to cut stigma and expand access to treatment. Nurses Day: Lesotho marked International Nurses Day, urging professionalism and better care quality. Local Health & Safety: WHO urged Basotho to stand with science as Lesotho continues HIV prevention advances.

International Nurses Day in Lesotho: Nurses and midwives gathered in Maseru to mark International Nurses Day under “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” with LeNMO urging professionalism, unity, and better care for both patients and nurses’ mental wellbeing. TB push in Parliament: The TB Caucus was launched in the National Assembly, with MPs backing stronger action against a disease that hits vulnerable groups hardest, especially where HIV co-infection is high. Health system strain from donors: A wider regional spotlight fell on how donor exits—like USAID’s—can expose weak spots in Africa’s health funding and continuity. Science and media: WHO urged Basotho to stand with science, praising health reporting that keeps communities informed and accountable. Food and nutrition focus: King Letsie III stressed nutrition from pregnancy through childhood, backing community food-growing and nutrition clubs. Digital safety: Vodacom Lesotho launched a Child Online Protection page to help families reduce risks like cyberbullying and online predators.

Justice for children affected by conflict-related sexual violence: A Global Survivors Fund coordinator says justice talks still focus on adults, while children who survive, are born of, or witness sexual violence remain largely invisible—especially when education, often the first casualty of war, is missing from reparations plans. Nurses spotlight: Lesotho marked International Nurses Day with calls for empowered, professional care and attention to nurses’ emotional wellbeing. AI push in Parliament: Chief Peete urged lawmakers to adopt AI to speed up service delivery and reduce delays in documents and legislative work. Donor funding fragility: USAID’s exit is flagged as exposing how dependent health programmes across Africa remain on external money. Basotho urged to back science: WHO says science and media accountability are key as Lesotho expands prevention tools like Lenacapavir. Food and nutrition focus: A 15-day Lesotho Vulnerability Assessment is underway with WFP support, tracking food access and household risk. HIV prevention momentum: A Pan-Prevention workshop in Maseru aims to strengthen HIV prevention programming. Online safety: Vodacom launched a Child Online Protection page to help families manage cyberbullying, predators, and digital addiction.

International Nurses Day: Nurses from across Lesotho gathered in Maseru to mark International Nurses Day under “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” with LeNMO leaders urging professionalism, unity, and nurses to look after their mental wellbeing. AI in public service: Chief Peete Lesaoana Peete has tabled a Senate motion urging Parliament to adopt AI to speed up service delivery, cut delays in documents like passports, and help lawmakers update legislation faster. Donor health system strain: Coverage highlights how USAID’s exit is exposing weaknesses in donor-funded health programmes across Africa, pushing calls for stronger local ownership and financing. Science and health reporting: WHO urged Basotho to “stand with science” and backed media efforts to improve accurate health information. Vulnerability Assessment starts: Lesotho’s 15-day Vulnerability Assessment kicked off in Maseru, supported by WFP, to map food, nutrition, and household accessibility nationwide. TB focus in Parliament: Parliament launched a TB Caucus, with HIV-TB co-infection and high TB deaths cited as urgent drivers for action.