AGP Executive Report

Maternal care support: The Third Order, Society of St Francis (TSSF) handed St. James Mission Hospital in Thaba‑Tseka new maternal and neonatal equipment worth over M80,000, aiming to ease shortages and reduce the need for mothers to travel for services. Menstrual health in Qacha’s Nek: Machabeng Government Hospital marked Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day with school activities, pad-use and disposal demonstrations, and donations of sanitary towels and soap to primary schools. Winter safety push: A Maseru District Hospital paramedic urged the public to keep emergency numbers handy during winter fire risks, warning against delays caused by people filming incidents instead of helping. GBV spotlight: A Lesotho-focused piece highlights how gender-based violence persists behind fear and silence, calling for stronger action to break stigma and support survivors. Corruption and health services: Lesotho’s anti-corruption message stresses that bribes and poor procurement can divert funds away from healthcare and other essential services. Regional health alert: WHO reports a surge of Bundibugyo Virus Disease in DRC, with high risk and infections among healthcare workers. Community resilience: Lebakeng residents are set to benefit from a M1.4bn road upgrade and new bridges to restore access during heavy rains.

Maternal & Newborn Care Support: The Third Order, Society of St Francis (TSSF) handed St. James Mission Hospital in Thaba‑Tseka life-saving maternal and neonatal equipment worth over M80,000, easing a critical shortage that forces some mothers to travel for care. Menstrual Health Day in Qacha’s Nek: Machabeng Government Hospital marked Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day with school activities, pad-use and disposal demonstrations, and donations of sanitary towels and soap to primary schools to cut stigma and keep girls in class. Winter Safety Push: A Maseru District Hospital paramedic urged the public to keep emergency numbers handy as winter fire incidents rise, warning against unsafe heating and reminding parents to supervise children closely. GBV Awareness in Lesotho: A new piece highlights how gender-based violence persists behind fear and silence, calling for stronger support and open discussion to help survivors speak out. Health Emergency Abroad: WHO reports a surge of Bundibugyo Virus Disease in DRC, with rising cases and deaths and concerns for healthcare worker safety. Community Health & Access: Lesotho’s Polihali Dam Phase II construction hit another milestone, with the project reporting strong health and safety performance and progress toward improved regional water security.

Maternal & newborn care support: The Third Order, Society of St Francis (TSSF) handed St. James Mission Hospital in Thaba-Tseka life-saving maternal and neonatal equipment worth over M80,000, aiming to ease a critical shortage that forces some mothers to travel for services. Menstrual health education: Machabeng Government Hospital marked Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day with school activities on using and disposing of sanitary pads, plus donations of towels and soap to local primary schools to help reduce stigma and keep girls in class. Winter safety push: A Maseru District Hospital paramedic urged the public to keep emergency numbers handy as winter fire incidents rise, warning that heaters, candles and braziers often cause accidents—especially involving children. Health system strain from conflict: WHO reports a surge of Bundibugyo Virus Disease in DRC, with 390 new confirmed cases and 74 more deaths since May 29, and notes infections among healthcare workers and insecurity affecting response. Community resilience & access: Lesotho’s Lebakeng road project (M1.4bn) is set to improve access after decades of washed-away bridges, supporting safer travel to health and other services. Nutrition & rehabilitation basics: Lesotho Red Cross Society provided winter clothing to inmates at Mohale’s Hoek Correctional Services, alongside first-aid and burn-safety guidance for the cold season.

Menstrual health push in Qacha’s Nek: Machabeng Government Hospital marked Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day with school debates, poetry, pad-use and disposal demonstrations, and donations of sanitary towels and liquid soap to five primary schools, aiming to break stigma and keep girls in class. Roads for access in Lebakeng: The Matlali–Lebakeng road project (M1.4bn) was launched to upgrade a 45km route to bitumen, build a 1.4km link to ’Melikane Combined School, and strengthen river bridges—work runs to February 2030. Regional health security: WHO reports a surge of Bundibugyo Virus Disease in DRC (Ituri province), with rising deaths and infections among healthcare workers, while contact monitoring continues despite insecurity. Emergency preparedness: A Maseru District Hospital paramedic urged people to keep winter emergency numbers handy as fire and child accidents rise, warning against filming incidents instead of helping. GBV spotlight: A Lesotho media piece highlights how Gender-Based Violence persists behind fear and silence, calling for stronger community action and support for survivors. Corruption and services: Lesotho’s anti-corruption leadership says bribe-taking and misuse of funds drain healthcare and other public services, worsening everyday life for Mosotho. Health-linked cross-border work: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” programme is tackling HIV testing, stigma, and child protection risks among mobile communities across Lesotho and the region.

Menstrual health push in Qacha’s Nek: Machabeng Government Hospital marked International Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day with school debates, poetry, and pad-use and disposal demonstrations, plus donations of sanitary towels and liquid soap to five primary schools to help break stigma and keep girls in class. Road access for Lebakeng: In Lebakeng, a M1.4 billion Matlali–Lebakeng road project was launched to upgrade a 45km route to bitumen, add a 1.4km gravel spur to ’Melikane Combined School, and build major bridges—aiming to end decades of isolation from washed-away crossings. Winter safety reminders: A Maseru District Hospital paramedic urged the public to keep emergency numbers handy during winter fire risks, warning against unsafe heating practices and against filming accidents instead of helping or calling for help. Regional disease alert: WHO reported a surge of Bundibugyo Virus Disease in DRC, with 390 new confirmed cases and 74 more deaths since May 29, concentrated in Ituri and affecting healthcare workers. Food and climate policy for women farmers: The Rural Women’s Assembly called for governments to put women smallholder farmers at the centre of food and climate policy, highlighting Lesotho participation in regional talks. Health in custody: Lesotho Red Cross winter clothing and hygiene/first-aid support reached inmates at Mohale’s Hoek Correctional Services, addressing cold-weather needs and fire-burn preparedness.

Roads & Access: Lesotho’s Lebakeng residents in Qacha’s Nek are set to benefit from a M1.4 billion Matlali–Lebakeng road upgrade, including bitumen surfacing, a new link to ’Melikane Combined School, and major bridges over the Tsoelike, Lijabatho, ’Melikane and Senqu rivers—aimed at ending decades of isolation from washed-away crossings. Disease Watch: The WHO reports a surge of Bundibugyo Virus Disease in DRC, with 390 new confirmed cases and 74 more deaths since May 29; the outbreak is concentrated in Ituri, with insecurity disrupting monitoring and contact tracing. Emergency Preparedness: A Maseru District Hospital paramedic urges people to keep winter emergency numbers handy as fire incidents rise, warning against delays caused by bystanders filming instead of helping. GBV & Silence: A Lesotho gender-based violence piece highlights how fear, shame and silence keep abuse hidden, noting that many women and girls experience GBV yet struggle to access support. Food & Climate Policy: Southern Africa’s Rural Women’s Assembly calls for women smallholder farmers to lead food and climate policy, with Lesotho delegates among those pushing resilient food systems. Winter Health Support: The Lesotho Red Cross Society provides winter clothing and first-aid guidance to inmates at Mohale’s Hoek Correctional Services, addressing cold-weather safety needs. Public Safety & Violence: Reports from South Africa describe a deadly mass shooting at Jumpers informal settlement near Johannesburg, underscoring regional risks that can affect cross-border communities.

Winter fire safety: A Maseru District Hospital paramedic urged families to keep emergency numbers handy as winter brings more house fires and child accidents, warning that delays happen when bystanders focus on filming instead of calling for help. Gender-based violence and silence: A Lesotho media-focused piece highlights how GBV persists behind fear and stigma, noting that many women and girls experience violence and calling for stronger support and safer reporting. Food security and climate policy: The Rural Women’s Assembly called for women smallholder farmers to lead food and climate policy, saying they already hold practical solutions for resilient food systems. Corruption and health service strain: Lesotho’s anti-corruption directorate says bribes and corruption divert funds meant for healthcare and other public services, worsening delays and poor-quality delivery. Rehabilitation support in prisons: The Lesotho Red Cross provided winter clothing and first-aid guidance to inmates, including help on managing fire burns during the cold season. Public health risk from unsafe water: A global drinking-water ranking flags unsafe water as a major health threat, with many of the worst-affected countries in Africa. Cross-border HIV and SRHR: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” programme in the region is working with mobile communities to improve HIV testing, sexual health, and child protection. Community safety and violence: Reports from South Africa describe a deadly mass shooting at Jumpers informal settlement, underscoring urgent needs for protection and emergency response.

Violence & Safety: A deadly “fireworks” mass shooting at Jumpers informal settlement near Johannesburg left 12 people dead and 10 injured, with police suspecting attackers linked to illegal mining activity—residents say they fear the gunmen may return. Justice & Health: In Lesotho-linked Eastern Cape cases, serial rapist Lechasa Glass (a Lesotho national) received indefinite imprisonment after DNA tied him to multiple additional sexual violence dockets, including assaults involving minors. Prison Welfare: Mohale’s Hoek Correctional Services says winter clothing and first-aid training from the Lesotho Red Cross are helping inmates stay warm and better manage burns during cold months. Public Health & Borders: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” programme is working across Lesotho and other countries to reduce stigma and improve HIV testing and child protection for mobile communities. Water & Wellness: A global drinking-water quality assessment highlights unsafe water risks, with many of the lowest-ranked countries in Africa—an urgent reminder for safe water access. Sports & Community: Lesotho’s health and wellness audience also gets a local angle through regional football build-up and community events, including a girls’ empowerment masterclass focused on confidence and healthy boundaries.

Violence & Public Safety: Residents near Johannesburg’s Jumpers informal settlement were rocked by a deadly “fireworks” mass shooting that police say was actually gunfire, killing 12 and injuring 10; the attack is linked to an area near illegal mining sites, raising fears of gang and firearms violence spilling into vulnerable communities. Justice & Health Impacts: In Lesotho-linked Eastern Cape cases, serial rapist Lechasa Glass (a Lesotho national) was sentenced to indefinite imprisonment after DNA tied him to additional rape cases while he was already serving multiple life sentences—another reminder of how sexual violence drives long-term trauma and health burdens. Health Systems & Cross-Border Care: The IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” programme is working across Southern Africa (including Lesotho) to improve HIV testing, sexual health and child protection for mobile communities, tackling stigma and interrupted treatment risks. Water & Wellness: A new global drinking-water safety ranking highlights unsafe water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest performers—relevant for Lesotho’s ongoing water and sanitation priorities. Community Support in Prisons: Lesotho’s Mohale’s Hoek Correctional Services says winter clothing and hygiene support from the Lesotho Red Cross is helping inmates stay safer during cold months.

HIV & Borders: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” programme is working with mobile communities around Beitbridge to shift attitudes on HIV testing, sexual health and child protection, tackling barriers like stigma, interrupted treatment and limited access to testing. Prison Health & Winter Support: In Mohale’s Hoek, the Lesotho Red Cross Society provided winter clothing and first-aid training to inmates at a correctional facility, after a nutrition and hygiene check found many were wearing torn, non-warm clothing. Community Rehabilitation: Also in Mohale’s Hoek, officials stressed that communities can play a key role in inmate rehabilitation, with LRCS support framed as both practical and educational. Corruption & Health Services: The DCEO says corruption drains funds meant for healthcare and other public services, driving poor-quality procurement and delays that hit communities hardest. Water Safety: A global drinking-water quality assessment flags unsafe water risks as a major public health threat, with many African countries among the worst affected. Youth Fitness & Nutrition: Lesotho’s Military Training Institute warns that declining recruit fitness is linked to drug use and poor nutrition, urging healthier lifestyles for young people.

Prison Health & Winter Support: Mohale’s Hoek Correctional Services says communities are key to inmate rehabilitation after the Lesotho Red Cross Society delivered winter clothing and first-aid training, responding to a gap found during a nutrition and hygiene visit. Girls’ Health & Confidence: HIV/AIDS and menstrual health advocate Tsépang Maboee is running a Girls Empowerment Masterclass urging parents to create safe spaces for identity, boundaries, communication, and self-worth. Corruption’s Health Impact: The DCEO warns that corruption blocks access to services and diverts funds meant for healthcare, education, water and roads—hurting especially the poor through bribes and poor-quality procurement. Water Safety Alert: A new global drinking-water quality ranking highlights unsafe water risks, with many of the lowest-ranked countries in Africa—an urgent public health issue for communities relying on unprotected sources. COVID/Flu Watch: South Africa reports its first winter COVID-19 case while Lesotho monitors influenza-like illness increases in seven districts, urging hygiene and care for vulnerable groups. Health System Strain from Migration: South Africa’s Ramaphosa promises action on illegal migration while warning against vigilantism, as concerns grow about pressure on public health and education systems.

Winter respiratory watch: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health is investigating a rise in influenza-like illness across seven districts, while South Africa reports its first winter COVID-19 case; officials urge hygiene, testing when symptoms worsen, and extra care for people living with HIV, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Water safety: A new global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many of the lowest-ranked countries in Africa—highlighting the need for safer water and sanitation. Corruption and health services: Lesotho’s anti-corruption boss says corruption drains funds meant for healthcare and other essentials, fuels poor-quality procurement, and forces citizens to pay bribes to access services. Health system preparedness: Regional health regulators are meeting in Nairobi to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, with Lesotho among the participating countries. Community health access: LEPEU is bringing services closer to members in Mapoteng and says it is pushing for a Health Sector Bargaining Council to better protect health workers’ safety and working conditions. Disaster response: “Mr Lifesaver” Clifford Tar rescued stranded patients after an ambulance got stuck in snow at Moteng Pass, prioritising a critically ill pregnant woman. GBV coordination: Lesotho is calling to revive the Anti-GBV Coordination Forum to improve multi-sector response and reduce duplication of services. Sports note: Lesotho’s national team faced a tough 4-0 loss to Kenya in a friendly, underscoring the wider regional spotlight on Lesotho’s athletes.

Winter respiratory watch: South Africa confirmed its first winter COVID-19 case, while Lesotho’s Ministry of Health is investigating reports of influenza-like illness in seven districts (Botha-Bothe, Berea, Maseru, Thaba-Tseka, Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek and Quthing), urging hygiene and care-seeking for vulnerable groups. Cross-border disease preparedness: Kenya and Uganda launched a joint assessment at Busia One Stop Border Post with ECSA-HC to check Ebola preparedness, screening systems and standard procedures, aiming to plug gaps before outbreaks cross borders. Water safety stakes: A new global drinking-water quality assessment highlights unsafe water risks, with many of the lowest-ranked countries in Africa—an urgent reminder for Lesotho’s own water and sanitation priorities. GBV coordination push: Lesotho is calling to revive the Anti-GBV Coordination Forum to improve multi-sector response, share information, and close service gaps for survivors. Health in emergencies: “Mr Lifesaver” rescued stranded patients from snow at Moteng Pass, prioritising a critically ill pregnant woman after an ambulance got stuck. Public health and safety systems: A regional forum in Nairobi discussed strengthening nuclear and radiation safety in healthcare, with Lesotho among participating countries. Community health access: LEPEU brought services closer to Mapoteng members and is moving to register a Health Sector Bargaining Council to better protect health workers.

Winter health watch: South Africa confirmed its first winter COVID-19 case, while Lesotho’s Ministry of Health is investigating influenza-like illness reports in seven districts, urging hygiene and care for vulnerable groups. Water and disease risk: A new global drinking-water quality assessment flags unsafe water as a major public health threat, and Lesotho communities around Matukeng and Matukeng outskirts report ongoing scarcity that forces people to use unsafe sources. Disability and care gaps: A Maseru mother says the Disability Grant barely covers essentials while caring for an 18-year-old daughter who cannot walk or speak, highlighting strain on families and services. GBV coordination push: Lesotho stakeholders are calling to revive and strengthen GBV coordination so prevention, protection, response and survivor support reach people faster. Health system safety: Regional health regulators met in Nairobi to strengthen safe nuclear and radiation use in healthcare, with Lesotho among participating countries. Emergency response: “Mr Lifesaver” rescued stranded patients after an ambulance got stuck in snow at Moteng Pass, prioritising a critically ill pregnant woman. Migration tensions with health impacts: South Africa’s president promised action on illegal migration protests, warning against vigilante violence and noting pressure on healthcare and education systems.

Cross-border Ebola readiness: Kenya and Uganda launched a joint assessment at the Busia One Stop Border Post with ECSA-HC to check Ebola preparedness, screening gaps, and Standard Operating Procedures, using WHO tools and corrective actions at the busy trade corridor. Winter respiratory alerts: South Africa confirmed its first winter COVID-19 case, while Lesotho is investigating influenza-like illness reports in seven districts, urging hygiene and care for vulnerable groups. Community water pressure in Maseru: Villagers in Matukeng and nearby areas say they still haul water from distant streams despite Lesotho’s “water wealth,” warning shortages raise disease risk and demand fair access to safe drinking water. GBV coordination push: Lesotho stakeholders were urged to revive and strengthen the Anti-GBV Coordination Forum to improve prevention, protection, response and survivor support through better collaboration. Health workforce and safety: LEPEU brought services closer to Mapoteng members and highlighted plans for a Health Sector Bargaining Council to prioritise health and safety at workplaces. Nuclear safety in healthcare: Regional health officials met in Nairobi to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies, including regulatory capacity across countries with emerging disease threats. Disability grant strain: A Maseru mother caring for a daughter with severe disabilities described how the Disability Grant barely covers essentials like food and diapers. Military fitness concerns: Lesotho’s Military Training Institute warned recruits are arriving with declining physical fitness linked to drugs and poor nutrition, calling for healthier youth lifestyles.

COVID-19 & Flu Watch: South Africa confirmed its first winter COVID-19 case, while Lesotho’s Ministry of Health is investigating rising influenza-like illness reports in seven districts, urging hygiene, testing and care for vulnerable groups. Water Safety Alarm: A new global drinking-water assessment flags unsafe water as a major health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked—highlighting how weak infrastructure and sanitation leave rural communities exposed. GBV Coordination Push: Lesotho is calling to revive and strengthen the Anti-GBV Coordination Forum, stressing better coordination across ministries, health services, law enforcement and community structures to improve prevention and survivor support. Community Water Strain: In Maseru’s Matukeng area, residents say they still depend on distant streams for washing, bathing and cooking, despite nearby water exports—warning shortages increase disease risk. Military Fitness Concern: Lesotho’s Military Training Institute says recruits are struggling physically, linking it to drug use and poor nutrition, and urging healthier youth lifestyles. Health & Safety in Emergencies: “Mr Lifesaver” rescued patients stranded in snow at Moteng Pass after an ambulance got stuck, prioritising a critically ill pregnant woman. Regional Health Safety: Health officials from across Africa met in Nairobi to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, including preparedness for emerging disease threats. Sports, With Health Angle: Lesotho’s national teams face key friendly rematches, while winter illness concerns and safe travel remain top-of-mind for public health planning.