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AGP Executive Report

Your go-to archive of top headlines, summarized for quick and easy reading.

Note: AI summary from news headlines; neutral sources weighted more to help reduce bias in the result. Feedback is welcome. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions about the AGP Executive Report.

Men’s mental health and masculinity push: In Maseru, organisations launched a men’s dialogue programme to help Basotho men reclaim identity, address gender-based violence and support healing, while speakers also urged communities to protect and empower boys through safer environments and better safeguarding. Mental health crisis call: A national dialogue heard that Lesotho’s mental health laws are outdated and that political will is needed to reform them, with another speaker challenging the idea that men’s strength means suppressing emotions. HIV care retention focus: The EpiC project and the Ministry of Health held a “Back to Care” symposium, highlighting progress in tracing people who interrupted HIV treatment and warning that staying on treatment is the real test. Nutrition and health skills: Dairy farmers in Berea trained to turn fresh milk into yoghurt and sour milk, aiming to reduce waste and improve nutrition and shelf life. Regional health and safety context: South Africa’s border and migrant enforcement tensions continue to spill into health access, with reports of vigilante pressure on schools and clinics. Justice and health links: A Cleveland mass shooting case involving three Lesotho nationals was postponed to 2 July, with victims’ statements playing a key role in arrests.

Men’s mental health and GBV focus: In Maseru, a new men’s dialogue programme was launched to help Basotho men reclaim identity, tackle gender-based violence and support healing, while another event urged communities to protect and empower boys through safer environments and better safeguarding. Mental health crisis call: A parliamentary panel discussion heard that Lesotho’s mental health laws are outdated and that political will is needed to reform them, as speakers also pushed back against old beliefs like witchcraft and family curses. HIV care retention push: The EpiC project and the Ministry of Health held a “Back to Care” symposium on tracing people who interrupted HIV treatment, highlighting gaps in transfer and referral systems and the need to keep patients in care. Ex-mineworkers compensated: Tshiamiso Trust announced it has paid over M1 billion to eligible ex-mineworkers and dependents for silicosis and TB claims linked to work in South African gold mines. Nutrition and health funding: Lesotho and the World Bank signed financing agreements worth over M840m for clean energy access, skills development and multisectoral nutrition improvements. Border pressures in the region: Reports from South Africa describe rising anti-immigration tensions affecting access to schools and clinics, with many migrants seeking safety as enforcement ramps up. Cleveland shooting court update: Three Lesotho nationals accused in the Jumpers mass shooting appeared in Johannesburg court; the case was postponed to 2 July to verify addresses.

HIV Care Continuity: Lesotho’s EpiC and the Ministry of Health held a Back to Care Campaign symposium in Maseru, spotlighting how tracing and re-engaging people who interrupted HIV treatment is improving retention—but also warning that weak transfer/referral links and outdated patient records still leave gaps. Mental Health Reform: A national dialogue in Maseru heard that mental health in Lesotho has reached a crisis level, with calls to update outdated laws and strengthen political commitment, moving away from stigma and harmful beliefs. Ex-Mineworkers Compensation: Tshiamiso Trust says it has paid over M1 billion to eligible Basotho ex-mineworkers and dependents for silicosis and TB claims tied to work in South African gold mines, with more outreach planned. Traditional Knowledge Protection: Lesotho is advancing Access and Benefit Sharing under the Nagoya Protocol through ABS Week, aiming to protect medicinal plant knowledge and ensure fair benefit sharing. Community Health & Wellness: Aura Run Club’s Blanket Run in Maseru promotes health, wellness, and community spirit through a culturally rooted event. Maternal/Child Support: Maluti Adventist Hospital hosted the royal family for Queen Masenate’s Golden Jubilee, including donations to maternity and paediatric wards.

HIV Care Continuity: EpiC and the Ministry of Health held a Back to Care Campaign dissemination symposium in Maseru, spotlighting the need to trace and re-engage people who interrupt HIV treatment, and warning that weak communication between facilities and incomplete records can leave patients “on paper” as lost to follow-up. Compensation for Lung Disease: Tshiamiso Trust says it has paid over M1 billion to eligible Basotho ex-mineworkers and dependents for silicosis and TB claims linked to work in South African gold mines, while urging any remaining eligible claimants to come forward. Mental Health Crisis: Lesotho’s mental health system was described as reaching a crisis stage, with calls for updated laws and stronger political commitment, plus reminders that mental health should be discussed openly rather than blamed on witchcraft or curses. Child Health & Puberty Education: A Menstrual Health and Hygiene project urged parents and guardians to talk openly about puberty and biological changes with girls, alongside proper pad use and hygiene. Traditional Knowledge Protection: Lesotho is pushing Access and Benefit Sharing under the Nagoya Protocol, aiming to protect medicinal plant knowledge and ensure fair benefit sharing. Community Health Through Movement: Aura Run Club’s Blanket Run in Maseru blends fitness with cultural identity, encouraging wellness and community engagement. Ex-Mineworkers’ Health Justice: The compensation drive reinforces long-overdue recognition for occupational lung disease victims. Regional Health Context: Botswana was reported to have entered the world’s top 20 HIV worst-hit countries by number of people living with HIV, underscoring the shared regional challenge. Health and Safety in Courts: In South Africa, a Cleveland mass shooting case involving three Lesotho nationals was postponed to verify addresses before bail applications, with charges including murder and attempted murder.

Mental Health Crisis: Lesotho’s mental health situation has reached a crisis level, with lawmakers and faith leaders calling for urgent reform of outdated laws and stronger political commitment, warning that untreated mental illness can cost more than early action. Mindset Shift: Speakers urged communities to move away from blaming mental health problems on witchcraft or curses, and to take a more holistic view that includes family circumstances, genetics, psychology, and moral/spiritual support. Child Health & Puberty Education: A Menstrual Health and Hygiene Project in Mafeteng urged parents to talk openly about puberty and biological changes with daughters, while calling on boys and men to support girls and use sanitary products responsibly. Rights for Visually Impaired Children: The Lesotho National League of Visually Impaired Persons warned that some guardians still hide visually impaired children, denying access to education and healthcare, and urged full inclusion in schools and public services. Regional Health & Care Support: Maluti Adventist Hospital in Berea received donations from the Royal Family’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, including items for maternity and paediatric wards, with a message to treat every patient with kindness. Funding for Health, Skills & Nutrition: Lesotho and the World Bank signed financing agreements worth over M840m to expand energy access, strengthen skills development, and improve nutrition outcomes nationwide. Traditional Knowledge Protection: Lesotho is pushing to link traditional knowledge with the Nagoya Protocol through Access and Benefit-Sharing Week, aiming to protect medicinal plant knowledge and ensure fair benefit sharing. Health Under Pressure from Xenophobia (Regional): Across the border in South Africa, escalating anti-immigration activity has triggered fear and displacement, with reports of migrants and foreign workers facing uncertainty and worsening conditions—an issue Lesotho health and welfare readers will feel through regional health and humanitarian spillovers.

Mental Health Crisis: Lesotho’s mental health situation has reached a crisis level, lawmakers and faith leaders warn, calling for urgent legal reforms and stronger political commitment rather than outdated beliefs. Winter Flu Alert: The Ministry of Health says clusters of influenza-like illness are being investigated in seven districts, with rapid response teams deployed while lab tests continue. Access & Benefit-Sharing (ABS) & Nagoya Protocol: ABS Week 2026 begins as Lesotho works to protect traditional knowledge and medicinal plants, aiming for fair sharing of benefits. Child Health & Protection: World Vision Lesotho is set to roll out a new child wellbeing strategy focused on ending violence against children and improving access to good health, nutrition, and basic services. Health System Support: CHAL will launch an immunisation network in Maseru to strengthen coordination and community access to vaccines. Royal Hospital Support: Maluti Adventist Hospital hosted the Royal Family for Queen Masenate’s Golden Jubilee, with donations for maternity and paediatric wards. Regional Health Context: Reports from South Africa highlight overcrowded migrant sites and rising health risks tied to displacement and poor sanitation.

Royal Health Support: The Royal Family visited Maluti Adventist Hospital to mark Queen Masenate’s Golden Jubilee, with Shoeshoe ea Moshoeshoe donating blankets for infants and heaters for maternity and paediatric wards, while hospital leaders urged nurses to treat patients with kindness. Traditional Knowledge & Medicines: Lesotho is holding ABS Week 2026 to strengthen Access and Benefit Sharing under the Nagoya Protocol, linking Basotho biodiversity and medicinal plant knowledge to fair protection and benefit-sharing. Child Rights & Inclusion: LNLVIP says some parents still hide visually impaired children, denying access to education and healthcare, ahead of Day of African Child events focused on universal water, sanitation and hygiene for children. Winter Flu Alert: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health reports influenza-like illness clusters in seven districts, with rapid response teams deployed and lab tests underway. World Bank Funding: Lesotho and the World Bank signed three agreements worth over M841m to expand energy access, skills development, and improve nutrition outcomes. Child Wellbeing Push: World Vision Lesotho launched its 2026–2030 community strategy, prioritising violence prevention, health and nutrition, and water and sanitation for vulnerable children. Immunisation Coordination: CHAL will launch an immunisation network in Maseru to improve coordination and access to vaccination services. Maternal & Child Health Finance: A US-led initiative is expanding access to a breakthrough HIV drug, while Lesotho’s broader health funding and programmes continue to build momentum. Regional Health & Safety Context: Reports from South Africa’s Sherwood migrant crisis highlight overcrowding and sanitation strain, underscoring the wider public health risks facing the region.

Royal Health Support: Maluti Adventist Hospital in Berea hosted the Royal Family for Queen Masenate’s Golden Jubilee, with Shoeshoe ea Moshoeshoe donating blankets for infants and heaters for maternity and paediatric wards, backed by World Vision Lesotho and UNICEF. Child Health Alert: The Ministry of Health says influenza-like illness clusters are being investigated in seven districts (Botha-Bothe, Berea, Maseru, Thaba-Tseka, Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek and Quthing), with rapid response teams deployed while lab tests continue. Inclusive Child Rights: LNLVIP warns that some parents still hide visually impaired children, limiting access to education and healthcare, ahead of Day of African Child events focused on water, sanitation and hygiene. Nutrition & Energy Funding: Lesotho and the World Bank signed three agreements worth over M841m to expand clean energy access, skills development, and multisectoral nutrition outcomes. Immunisation Push: CHAL will launch an immunisation network in Maseru to improve coordination and community engagement around vaccination. Water & Health Basics: Parents in Mafeteng were urged to discuss puberty and menstrual health openly, alongside hygiene guidance for the Menstrual Health and Hygiene Project. Local Care Expansion: Starlight of Hope Hospice is set to start care from July, building on team work.

Influenza Alert: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health says flu-like illness clusters are being investigated in seven districts (Botha-Bothe, Berea, Maseru, Thaba-Tseka, Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek and Quthing), with rapid response teams deployed and lab tests ongoing. Maternal & Child Health Funding: Lesotho launched a data-driven M2.3 billion Investment Case to cut preventable maternal and newborn deaths, unmet family planning needs, and gender-based violence/child marriage, aiming for M129 return per US$1 invested. Child Protection & Nutrition: World Vision rolled out its 2026–2030 community strategy focusing on preventing violence against children, health and nutrition, and water and sanitation for about 650,000 vulnerable children. Disability Rights: LNLVIP raised concerns that visually impaired children are being hidden at home, limiting access to education and healthcare, ahead of Day of African Child. Immunisation Push: CHAL will launch an immunisation network in Maseru to improve coordination and access to vaccination services. Health System Accountability: The Ombudsman reports major failures to implement recommendations for prisons and Mohlomi Mental Hospital, with most actions still unaddressed. Nutrition Infrastructure: Lesotho and the World Bank signed financing agreements worth over M841 million for clean energy access, skills development, and multisectoral nutrition improvements. ABS & Medicinal Plants: Lesotho is strengthening its Nagoya Protocol Access and Benefit-Sharing mechanism to protect Basotho biodiversity and medicinal plant knowledge and ensure fair benefit sharing.

Influenza Alert: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health says clusters of influenza-like illness have been reported in seven districts (Botha-Bothe, Berea, Maseru, Thaba-Tseka, Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek and Quthing), with rapid response teams deployed and lab tests underway to identify the cause. Maternal & Child Health Funding: The Ministry of Health launched a data-driven M2.3 billion investment case to cut preventable maternal and newborn deaths, unmet family planning needs, and gender-based violence/child marriage, aiming for “Three Zeros” by 2030. Child Protection & Nutrition: World Vision Lesotho rolled out its 2026–2030 community strategy, prioritising prevention of violence against children, health and nutrition, and water and sanitation for vulnerable children nationwide. Immunisation Push: CHAL will launch an immunisation network in Maseru to improve coordination and access to vaccination services. Disability Rights: LNLVIP warns that some parents still hide visually impaired children, denying them education and healthcare, ahead of Day of the African Child. Water, Sanitation & Hygiene for Children: The Day of African Child commemoration in Maseru focuses on universal access to WASH for children. Traditional Medicine Protection: Lesotho is holding ABS Week 2026 to strengthen implementation of the Nagoya Protocol, linking Basotho biodiversity and medicinal plant knowledge with fair benefit-sharing. Rights & Access to Care: The Ombudsman says government has failed to implement most recommendations on prison and mental health conditions, including at Mohlomi Mental Hospital.

HIV Prevention Push: The US and the Global Fund plan to expand access to lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention option, aiming to protect an additional one million people in high-burden countries—an important development for mother-to-child transmission efforts in the region. Maternal & Child Health Funding: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health launched a data-driven M2.3bn investment case to cut preventable maternal and newborn deaths, unmet family planning needs, and gender-based violence/child marriage, with a focus on mobilising domestic resources. Flu Alert in Lesotho: The Ministry of Health is investigating clusters of influenza-like illness in seven districts, with rapid response teams deployed to affected schools and villages. Menstrual Health Education: Parents and guardians were urged to talk openly with daughters about puberty and biological changes, alongside guidance on hygiene and responsible use of sanitary products. World Bank Financing: Lesotho and the World Bank signed over M841m for energy access, skills development, and nutrition improvements. Immunisation Coordination: CHAL will launch an immunisation network in Maseru to strengthen advocacy, community engagement, and coordination. Palliative Care at Home: Starlight of Hope Hospice will start providing home-based care from July for cancer and other incurable illnesses. Access to Clean Water: Youth delegates called for clean water infrastructure for every African child, highlighting WASH gaps even where water resources exist. Regional Migration Pressure (Health & Safety): South Africa’s Sherwood crisis continues as thousands of migrants wait in overcrowded conditions amid xenophobic threats, raising urgent sanitation and public health concerns.

ABSWeek 2026 Launch: Lesotho’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry, with UNDP, will kick off Access and Benefit-Sharing Week 2026 to strengthen how the country implements the Nagoya Protocol, including fair sharing of benefits from biodiversity and medicinal plants. Winter Flu Alert: The Ministry of Health says influenza-like illness clusters have been reported in seven districts, with rapid response teams deployed and lab testing underway to identify the cause. Maternal & Child Health Investment Case: Lesotho and UNFPA-backed planning highlights a M2.3 billion investment case aimed at cutting preventable maternal and newborn deaths, unmet family planning needs, and gender-based violence/child marriage. HIV Prevention Expansion: The US and partners announce wider access to lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention option, targeting mother-to-child transmission. Menstrual Health Push: Parents and guardians are urged to talk openly about puberty and biological changes, with a focus on menstrual health and hygiene support for girls. World Vision Child Wellbeing Strategy: World Vision Lesotho rolls out a 2026–2030 strategy prioritising child protection, health and nutrition, and water and sanitation for vulnerable children. Palliative Care at Home: Starlight of Hope Hospice begins home-based care from July for cancer and other incurable illnesses, supported by donated vehicles. Food Security Funding: Lesotho and the World Bank sign over M841 million for energy access, skills development, and nutrition improvements. Maseru Clean-Up: A Maseru clean-up restores a neglected public site, aiming to improve community health through a cleaner environment.

Influenza Alert: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health has flagged flu-like illness clusters in seven districts (Botha-Bothe, Berea, Maseru, Thaba-Tseka, Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek and Quthing), with District Rapid Response Teams deployed to investigate and educate communities while lab tests continue. Maternal & Child Health Funding: Lesotho and the World Bank signed financing agreements worth over M840m to expand clean energy access, skills development and nutrition outcomes, while a separate M2.3bn investment case targets “Three Zeros” for maternal and child health, family planning and ending gender-based violence and child marriage. Child Wellbeing & Protection: World Vision launched its 2026–2030 child wellbeing strategy, prioritising violence prevention, health and nutrition, and water and sanitation for about 650,000 vulnerable children. Palliative Care Access: Starlight of Hope Hospice says it will start home-based care for cancer and other incurable illnesses from July, supported by newly received vehicles. Menstrual Health: Parents and guardians were urged to talk openly with daughters about puberty and menstruation, alongside hygiene guidance and support for boys to protect and assist girls. Food Storage Plans: Preparations are underway to finalise operations for a Ha Foso grain storage facility as farmers begin delivering produce through the Disaster Management Authority. Health System Gaps: The Ombudsman reports government failure to implement most recommendations on correctional facilities and Mohlomi Mental Hospital, leaving conditions unchanged. Disability & Transport Costs: Advocates warn proposed taxi fare hikes will hit people with disabilities hardest, worsening access to rehabilitation, physiotherapy and medication. Regional Health Link: Botswana and Lesotho also pledged closer cooperation, including Botswana’s planned foot-and-mouth vaccine support for Lesotho. Migration Health Risks (South Africa): A Durban Sherwood holding site for migrants is described as rapidly shifting from “safety” to overcrowding, poor sanitation and long queues—raising urgent public health concerns.

Menstrual health push: Lesotho’s Deputy Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara urged parents and guardians to talk openly with daughters about puberty and menstruation, warning that fear and confusion can harm wellbeing when girls start periods without guidance. The Menstrual Health and Hygiene Project also stressed proper pad use and hygiene, with boys asked to support girls during menstruation. Funding for health and nutrition: The government and the World Bank signed three agreements worth over M840m to expand clean energy access, boost skills, and improve nutrition outcomes nationwide. Winter flu alert: The Ministry of Health confirmed influenza-like illness clusters in seven districts, with rapid response teams deployed to investigate and educate communities while lab testing continues. Child wellbeing strategy: World Vision Lesotho launched its 2026–2030 community strategy, prioritising prevention of violence against children, health and nutrition, and water and sanitation for about 650,000 vulnerable children. HIV prevention expansion: The US and partners announced additional support to reach one million more people with lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention option with 99.9% effectiveness in trials. Palliative care at home: Starlight of Hope Hospice says it will start care from July, bringing home-based palliative support for cancer and other incurable illnesses. Mental health policy follow-up: The Mental Health Programme will hold a stakeholder meeting to finalise and strengthen Lesotho’s Mental Health Policy after validation.

World Bank Financing: Lesotho and the World Bank have signed three deals worth over M841m to expand clean energy access, boost skills development, and improve nutrition outcomes nationwide. Winter Flu Alert: The Ministry of Health is investigating clusters of influenza-like illness in seven districts, with rapid response teams deployed and lab tests underway as the country enters the winter flu season. Maternal and Child Health Push: Lesotho launched a data-driven M2.3bn investment case to cut preventable maternal deaths, unmet family planning needs, and gender-based violence/child marriage by 2030, backed by a UNFPA-linked roadmap. Child Wellbeing Strategy: World Vision Lesotho rolled out its 2026–2030 child wellbeing strategy, prioritising violence prevention, health and nutrition, and water and sanitation for about 650,000 vulnerable children. Immunisation Coordination: CHAL will launch an immunisation network in Maseru to strengthen coordination among civil society and partners supporting vaccination access. Palliative Care for Incurable Illness: Starlight of Hope Hospice will start home-based care from July, receiving vehicles to expand support for cancer and other incurable conditions. Food Storage Plans: The agriculture ministry is finalising operations for a Ha Foso grain storage facility as farmers begin delivering grain through the DMA. Mental Health Policy Follow-up: Stakeholders are set to meet to finalise and strengthen Lesotho’s mental health policy after its validation. Refugee Day Context: A Refugee Day piece highlights how displacement across Africa is tied to regional trade and shared economic realities, with South Africa hosting large numbers of refugees.

Winter Flu Alert: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health says influenza-like illness clusters have been reported in seven districts, with rapid response teams deployed and lab tests underway to confirm the cause. Mental Health Policy Push: After validation of the Mental Health Policy in Maseru, a high-level stakeholder meeting will gather feedback to strengthen how services are delivered nationwide. Maternal & Child Health Investment Case: The Ministry of Health unveiled a data-driven M2.3 billion plan to cut maternal deaths, child marriage, and unmet family planning needs, aiming for “Three Zeros” by 2030. HIV Prevention Scale-Up: The US and partners plan to expand access to lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention option, targeting mother-to-child transmission and broader high-burden populations. Palliative Care at Home: Starlight of Hope Hospice will start home-based care from July, supported by donated vehicles and partners. Access & Equity: Disabled Basotho face a “triple blow” as proposed taxi fare hikes threaten affordability for essential trips to clinics and rehabilitation. Food Security Storage: Plans are underway to operationalise a Ha Foso grain storage facility as farmers begin delivering produce through the DMA. Immunisation Coordination: CHAL will launch an immunisation network in Maseru to improve coordination and community access to vaccines.

Winter flu alert: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health says influenza-like illness clusters have been reported in seven districts—Botha-Bothe, Berea, Maseru, Thaba-Tseka, Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek and Quthing—prompting rapid response teams, school and village investigations, and lab testing as the country enters its winter flu season. Maternal and child health push: A new M2.3 billion investment case aims to cut preventable maternal and newborn deaths, unmet family planning needs, and gender-based violence/child marriage, with UNFPA-backed planning promising returns for every US dollar invested. HIV prevention expansion: The US and partners plan to extend access to lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention option, targeting mother-to-child transmission and broader high-burden populations. Palliative care at home: Starlight of Hope Hospice will start cancer and incurable illness care from July, supported by donated vehicles to strengthen home visits. Mental health policy momentum: Stakeholders are set to meet to finalise and strengthen Lesotho’s Mental Health Policy after validation. Child wellbeing strategy: World Vision will launch a child wellbeing strategy in Berea focused on ending violence against children and improving access to good health.

Influenza Alert: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health says flu-like illness clusters are being investigated in seven districts (Botha-Bothe, Berea, Maseru, Thaba-Tseka, Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek and Quthing), with District Rapid Response Teams deployed to schools and villages while lab tests continue. HIV Prevention Push: The US and partners plan to expand access to lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention option, aiming to protect an additional one million people in high-burden countries—relevant for reducing mother-to-child transmission. Maternal & Child Health Funding: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health unveiled a data-driven M2.3 billion investment case to cut preventable maternal and newborn deaths, unmet family planning needs, and gender-based violence/child marriage. Palliative Care at Home: Starlight of Hope Hospice will start home-based care from July, supported by donated vehicles to help patients access comfort and support. Mental Health Policy: Stakeholders are meeting to finalise Lesotho’s Mental Health Policy after validation, with plans to strengthen services nationwide. Child Wellbeing Strategy: World Vision will launch a new child wellbeing strategy in Berea, focusing on ending violence against children and improving access to good health. GBV Survival Story: A Maseru woman’s account highlights how abuse can escalate and the urgent need for stronger protection and justice. Disabled People’s Transport Burden: Advocates warn proposed taxi fare hikes will hit persons with disabilities hardest, especially those needing frequent rehabilitation and medication. Regional Cooperation: Botswana and Lesotho pledged deeper cooperation, including water and energy plans and a foot-and-mouth vaccine donation to Lesotho.

Winter flu alert: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health says influenza-like illness clusters are being investigated in seven districts (Botha-Bothe, Berea, Maseru, Thaba-Tseka, Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek and Quthing), with District Rapid Response Teams deployed to schools and villages while lab tests continue. Palliative care at home: Starlight of Hope Hospice will start care from July, supported by donated vehicles, aiming to bring cancer and other incurable illness support closer to families. Maternal and child health push: A new M2.3 billion Investment Case targets “Three Zeros” by 2030—cutting preventable maternal deaths, unmet family planning needs and gender-based violence/child marriage—backed by UNFPA-linked planning. HIV prevention expansion: The US and Global Fund plan to expand access to lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention option, including for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Mental health policy follow-through: Stakeholders are meeting to strengthen Lesotho’s Mental Health Policy after validation, as officials stress the need for coordinated services. Access and inclusion: Disabled Basotho warn taxi fare hikes will create a “triple blow,” raising barriers to rehabilitation, physiotherapy and medication collection. Immunisation coordination: CHAL will launch an immunisation network in Maseru to improve community engagement and coordination around vaccination services.

Influenza Alert: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health says influenza-like illness clusters are spreading in seven districts—Botha-Bothe, Berea, Maseru, Thaba-Tseka, Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek and Quthing—after cases were reported in schools and villages, with District Rapid Response Teams deployed and lab tests ongoing. Immunisation Push: CHAL will launch an immunisation network in Maseru to improve coordination, community engagement and access to vaccination services. HIV Prevention Breakthrough: The US and Global Fund plan to expand access to lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention medicine, aiming to protect an additional one million people in high-burden countries, including pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Maternal Health Investment: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health unveiled a data-driven M2.3 billion Investment Case to cut preventable maternal deaths, unmet family planning needs, and gender-based violence/child marriage. Palliative Care at Home: Starlight of Hope Hospice will start care from July, bringing home-based support for cancer and other incurable illnesses. Mental Health Accountability: The Ombudsman says government has failed to implement most 2023 recommendations for correctional facilities and Mohlomi Mental Hospital, leaving conditions unchanged. Disability Access: Advocates warn a proposed 80%+ taxi fare hike will hit disabled people hardest, raising barriers to rehabilitation, physiotherapy and medication.

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