AGP Executive Report

WHO Pandemic Fund Support: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health received about M2.5 million (US$150,000) in medical and ICT equipment to strengthen disease surveillance and faster outbreak response, including blood-glucose monitors, stethoscopes, ECG machines, laptops/tablets/modems, and specimen transport materials. Mental Health in Schools: The health ministry says 1 in 4 learners aged 13–17 seriously considered suicide, with many reporting they have nobody to talk to, as Lesotho marks World Suicide Prevention Day. Suicide Prevention Focus: Officials warned suicide is among leading causes of death among adolescents and young people, urging better support for distressed teens. Food Security via Knowledge: Agriculture Minister Selibe Mochoboroane says low production is driven largely by lack of farming knowledge, calling for farmers to share skills and for experts to visit farms with practical guidance. Local Health Tech (Regional): South Africa’s Vula referral app has passed 3 million referrals, showing how faster specialist input can reduce unnecessary travel—relevant to improving care pathways in the region. Health System Risk (Case): Police say investigations into the death of a former Lesotho Times head of production at a pharmacy have been sent to the DPP for possible prosecution.

Pandemic Preparedness Boost: WHO and the Pandemic Fund handed Lesotho M2.5m (about US$150,000) in medical and ICT equipment to strengthen disease surveillance and emergency response, including blood-glucose monitors, blood-pressure machines, stethoscopes, ECG units, laptops/tablets/modems, and software to spot threats earlier—timed with Southern Africa’s predicted El Niño risks. Mental Health Alarm: Lesotho’s health ministry says 1 in 4 learners aged 13–17 seriously considered suicide, with many reporting they have nobody to talk to, as the country marks World Suicide Prevention Day and warns suicide is a leading cause of death among adolescents. Food Security Through Skills: Agriculture Minister Selibe Mochoboroane urged farmers to share practical knowledge and get expert farm visits, saying low production is driven largely by gaps in farming skills—not just soil or weather. Press Freedom Under Pressure: Police say they can’t progress the abduction case of Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse because he is in hiding, while media groups and Amnesty call for a full investigation. Health Tech in the Region: South Africa’s Vula Mobile passed 3 million referrals, helping rural clinics connect to specialists faster—registered professionals across Lesotho included.

Pandemic Preparedness Boost: WHO and the Pandemic Fund handed Lesotho’s Ministry of Health medical and ICT equipment worth about M2.5 million to strengthen disease surveillance and faster outbreak response, including blood glucose monitors, stethoscopes, ECG machines and laptops/tablets/modems for data and communication. Mental Health Alarm: Lesotho marked World Suicide Prevention Day with new figures showing about 1 in 4 learners aged 13–17 seriously considered suicide, with many reporting they have nobody to talk to—highlighting urgent gaps in adolescent support. Food Security Focus: Agriculture Minister Selibe Mochoboroane urged farmers to share practical knowledge to raise production, saying low output is driven largely by insufficient farming skills and that experts must advise directly on farms. Justice & Safety in Healthcare: Police have sent the Life-Line pharmacy death case of former Lesotho Times production chief Moletsane Makhabane to the DPP for possible prosecution after an alleged unauthorised procedure and overdose of anaesthetic ketamine. Media Freedom Under Pressure: Amnesty and press groups renewed calls for investigation after Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse was abducted in Maseru and police say they can’t proceed because he remains in hiding.

Press Freedom Under Threat: Lesotho journalist Kananelo Boloetse says armed men abducted and tortured him in Maseru, then police say they can’t move the case because he’s in hiding. Public Health Boost: WHO and the Pandemic Fund handed Lesotho about M2.5m in medical and ICT equipment to strengthen disease surveillance and outbreak response. Mental Health Alarm: The health ministry reports about 1 in 4 learners aged 13–17 seriously considered suicide, with many saying they have nobody to talk to. Food Security Focus: Agriculture Minister Selibe Mochoboroane urged farmers to share practical knowledge and skills to raise production, warning that training alone isn’t enough. Hospital Accountability: Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital faces audits after allegations of nursing licence fraud, with concerns it may not be isolated. Justice in the Courts: A man accused in a stick-death case was granted bail by the High Court with conditions. Community Health Services: Police say they’ve completed investigations into the death of a former Lesotho Times production chief after an unauthorised procedure at a pharmacy, with the docket now at the DPP.

WHO/ Pandemic Fund Support: Lesotho received about M2.5m (US$150,000) in medical and ICT gear to strengthen disease surveillance and routine care, including blood glucose systems, stethoscopes, ECG machines, laptops/tablets/modems, and specimen transport materials. Mental Health Alert: The Ministry of Health says 1 in 4 learners (13–17) seriously considered suicide, with many reporting no one to talk to, as Lesotho marks World Suicide Prevention Day. Health System Integrity: The Public Accounts Committee ordered an audit at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after allegations of fraudulently obtained nursing licences, and also raised concerns about foreign doctors’ credential checks. Medicines Death Probe: Police have sent the Life-Line pharmacy death case of former Lesotho Times production chief Moletsane Makhabane to the DPP after an alleged unauthorised procedure and ketamine overdose. Press Freedom & Safety: Journalist Kananelo Boloetse says he was abducted, tortured and abandoned after his work, while the U.S. Embassy has not issued a public statement. Youth & Livelihoods: A wool and mohair roadshow in Teyateyaneng urged youths to turn raw materials into market-ready products to grow MSMEs.

WHO/ Pandemic Fund Support: Lesotho has received about M2.5m (US$150,000) in medical and ICT equipment from WHO and the Pandemic Fund to strengthen early detection, surveillance, and routine care, including blood glucose systems, stethoscopes, ECG machines, specimen transport materials, plus laptops, tablets, and modems for health data and communication. Mental Health Crisis: The Ministry of Health says 1 in 4 learners aged 13–17 seriously considered suicide, with over half reporting nobody to talk to, as Lesotho marks World Suicide Prevention Day and highlights suicide as a leading cause of death among adolescents and young people. Hospital Workforce Integrity: The Public Accounts Committee has ordered audits and credential checks at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after allegations that a nursing assistant obtained a practising licence fraudulently without sitting the required exam, raising wider concerns about licence verification and patient safety. Medicines Death Under Probe: Police have completed investigations into the death of former Lesotho Times production chief Moletsane Makhabane, who allegedly died after an unauthorised procedure at a pharmacy involving ketamine; the docket is now with the DPP. Press Freedom Under Pressure: Amnesty and press groups are calling for an investigation into the abduction and torture of journalist Kananelo Boloetse in Maseru, while noting US Embassy silence. Food & Livestock Skills: Farmers are being urged to boost grain and livestock production through knowledge sharing, practical field advice, and better planning around aggregation centres.

Pandemic Readiness Boost: WHO and the Pandemic Fund handed Lesotho about M2.5 million in medical and ICT equipment to strengthen disease surveillance, response and care delivery, including laptops, tablets, connectivity modems, blood glucose monitors, stethoscopes and ECG machines. Hospital Accountability: Lesotho’s Public Accounts Committee ordered audits and credential checks at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after allegations of nursing licence fraud, including a nursing assistant accused of practising for years with a fraudulent licence and questions raised about foreign doctors’ qualifications. Food & Nutrition Skills: Agriculture Minister Selibe Mochoboroane urged farmers to improve grain production and nutrition through practical knowledge sharing, warning that poor planning around aggregation centres can undermine output. Youth Wool & Mohair Value-Add: In Teyateyaneng, youths were encouraged to turn wool and mohair into higher-value products for business growth, with support aimed at MSMEs and artisans. Clinic Access Concern: A commentary warns that “the clinic gate is the wrong border,” highlighting barriers that can block people from getting care. Health System Safety Watch: PAC scrutiny also extends to paediatrics leadership at QMMH amid claims of unverified qualifications and patient safety risks.

Food Security & Livestock: Maseru hosted the Farmers Pitso Agriculture Week, where farmers and policy makers discussed how to monitor the livestock value chain—linking production science, nutrition, animal health, rangelands, extension, economics and household wellbeing—amid rising food insecurity. Pharmacy Death Probe: Police have wrapped up investigations into the fatal Life-Line pharmacy ordeal of former Lesotho Times head of production Moletsane Makhabane, after an alleged unauthorised ketamine surgery, and the docket is now with the DPP. Hospital Licensing Fraud: The Public Accounts Committee ordered audits and sanctions at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after a nursing assistant allegedly obtained a practising licence without sitting the required exam; the LNC registrar was also ordered to revoke the certificate. Patient Safety & Credentials: PAC also demanded independent verification of a paediatrician’s qualifications at QMMH, citing inconsistencies in documents and concerns about foreign doctors’ credential checks. Mental Health & Detention: A separate court report from Namibia says a naked State House intruder will be detained in a mental hospital or prison pending the president’s decision. Cannabis Case: Lesotho’s High Court ordered police to release a 500kg medicinal cannabis consignment seized at Moshoeshoe I International Airport, ruling the detention unlawful.

Hospital Accountability: Lesotho’s Public Accounts Committee has ordered Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital (QMMH) to audit all nursing staff after allegations that a nursing assistant, Mantsane Likotsi, obtained a practising licence fraudulently and allegedly never sat the required exam; the PAC also ordered the Lesotho Nursing Council to revoke her certificate and QMMH to terminate her employment, raising fears the problem may be wider. Credentials Under Scrutiny: The PAC is also demanding independent verification of the qualifications of QMMH’s paediatrics head, Dr Tesfay Teklehaimanot, after concerns about inconsistencies in documents and his current retention status, warning patient safety and public funds could be at risk. Pharmacy Death Probe: Police have completed investigations into the death of former Lesotho Times production chief Moletsane Makhabane after a visit to Life-Line Pharmaceutical Wholesalers in Maseru allegedly turned into a fatal unauthorised procedure with an overdose of ketamine; the docket is now with the DPP for prosecution decisions. Justice Delays: The government is urged to end the costly, prolonged suspension of Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC) executives, with calls for clear timelines for disciplinary outcomes. Health & Safety Law: LMPS was ordered to release a 500kg medicinal cannabis consignment seized at Moshoeshoe I International Airport, after a High Court ruled the seizure and detention were unlawful.

Women’s wellness & empowerment: Me Time founder Tebogo Modisane says the “Reset and Rise” movement is about taking a real break to reconnect with yourself, and she says it has already grown beyond South Africa to eSwatini with plans to visit Lesotho in 2027—attendees also heard an inspiring speech from actress Sophie Ndaba. Hospital licensing scandal at QMMH: Lesotho’s Public Accounts Committee has ordered Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital to audit all nursing staff after allegations that a nursing assistant, Mantsane Likotsi, allegedly obtained a practising licence fraudulently and never sat the required exam; the committee also demanded independent verification of a paediatric head’s foreign credentials, warning patient safety and public funds could be at risk. Public health access gap: A South African study using Demographic and Health Survey data highlights that cervical cancer screening remains below targets, with the least screened women carrying the highest disease burden—reinforcing the need for better Pap smear uptake and access. Community support under pressure: Mercy Mission is appealing for urgent funding after donor losses threaten its Orphan 7 and Imam Development Program across 14 African countries, supporting about 70 orphans through family-based care. Safety & rights concerns: Journalist Kananelo Boloetse says armed men abducted and tortured him in Maseru, and he has opened a police case after hospital treatment.

Hospital Accountability in Lesotho: Lesotho’s Public Accounts Committee has ordered Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital to audit all nursing staff after a nursing assistant allegedly obtained a professional licence fraudulently, with the Lesotho Nursing Council now facing scrutiny over how the licence was issued. Credentials Checks for Patient Safety: The PAC also demanded independent verification of a QMMH paediatrician’s qualifications, citing concerns about inconsistencies in documents and warning that weak checks on foreign doctors could endanger patients and waste public funds. Nursing Licence Fraud Details: A nursing assistant at QMMH admitted she never sat the required licensing exam and said her practising certificate was arranged through a politically connected individual; the committee ordered her certificate revoked and her employment terminated. Public Health Screening Gap: A South African study using national survey data reports cervical cancer screening remains far below targets, with women least likely to be screened carrying the highest disease burden. Mental Health Crisis: An opinion piece highlights suicide as a major public health emergency, stressing that most suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries where mental health resources are scarce. Community Support Needed: Mercy Mission is appealing for urgent funding to keep its orphan and child welfare programmes running across multiple African countries. Sports Injury Update: Silver Strikers Ladies’ forward Deborah Henry has reportedly undergone successful surgery for a fractured fibula and begun rehabilitation. Violence and Rights: A Maseru journalist and human rights defender says he was abducted, tortured, and later treated in hospital, and has opened a police case.

Hospital Accountability: Lesotho’s Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital is under fresh scrutiny after the Public Accounts Committee ordered audits and credential checks following allegations of nursing licence fraud and concerns about an “unqualified” paediatrician’s papers, with the Lesotho Nursing Council and Ministry of Health facing pressure to verify qualifications properly. Patient Safety & Compliance: The PAC also ordered the revocation of a nursing assistant’s certificate after she admitted she never sat the required licensing exam, and demanded independent verification of foreign doctors’ academic credentials to protect patients and public funds. Public Health Research: A South African study highlights that cervical cancer screening remains far below targets, with the least-screened women carrying the highest disease burden—an urgent reminder for regional prevention efforts. Mental Health Warning: A global commentary calls suicide a major public health crisis, noting most deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries where mental health services are weakest. Community Support: Mercy Mission is appealing for urgent funding to keep orphan and child welfare programmes running across multiple countries.

Hospital Accountability: Lesotho’s Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital is under heavy scrutiny after the Public Accounts Committee ordered audits and credential checks following allegations of nursing licence fraud and concerns about foreign doctors’ qualifications, including a paediatrics head whose academic papers are being independently verified. Workforce Integrity: The PAC heard that a nursing assistant allegedly worked for years using a practising licence obtained without sitting the required exam, prompting demands for licence revocation and employment termination. Patient Safety: PAC members warned that gaps in vetting could endanger patients and waste public funds, especially where children’s care is involved. Health System Risks: The inquiry also raised questions about the Lesotho Nursing Council’s role in issuing the disputed licence. Community Health Support: Mercy Mission is appealing for urgent funding to keep its orphan and child welfare programmes running across multiple countries, including health and education support. Public Health Recall: Woolworths has recalled a clarifying shampoo sold in South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini after it tested positive for a bacterium linked to rare infections in people with weakened immune systems.

Hospital Accountability in Lesotho: The Public Accounts Committee ordered Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital (QMMH) to audit all nursing staff after a nursing assistant allegedly obtained a professional licence fraudulently, and it also moved to verify a paediatrician’s foreign credentials—raising patient-safety and public-funds concerns. Health Workforce Integrity: The PAC heard that the nursing assistant reportedly never sat the required licensing exam and that the Lesotho Nursing Council’s processes are now under scrutiny. Cervical Cancer Screening Gap: A South African analysis using Demographic and Health Survey data found cervical cancer screening remains below targets, with women least likely to be screened carrying the highest disease burden. Oral Health Push: Lesotho’s Oral Health Awareness campaign is set to close in Leribe under “A Healthy Mouth, Is A Happy Mind,” spotlighting tooth decay, gum disease, and limited dental access. Public Health Product Safety: Woolworths recalled a batch of its w.beauty clarifying shampoo sold across South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini after lab testing flagged a rod-shaped bacterium linked to rare opportunistic infections. Medicinal Cannabis Legal Win: Lesotho’s police were ordered to return a 500kg medicinal cannabis consignment after a court ruled the seizure and detention were unlawful.

Hospital Accountability: Lesotho’s Public Accounts Committee ordered Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital (QMMH) to audit all nursing staff after allegations that a nursing assistant fraudulently obtained a licence, and it also ordered the Lesotho Nursing Council to revoke the certificate and QMMH to terminate the employee. Credentials Under Scrutiny: The PAC also demanded independent verification of the head of pediatrics’ qualifications at QMMH, raising concerns about a foreign doctor’s documents and whether he is properly retained to practise. Public Health Access: A South African study highlights who is least likely to get cervical cancer screening, showing screening gaps among women with the highest disease burden—an urgent reminder for prevention efforts. Child Health & Safety: An opinion piece calls attention to ongoing newborn deaths beyond the widely reported Pims tragedy, arguing that routine infant mortality is being ignored. Medicinal Cannabis Legal Win: Lesotho Mounted Police were ordered to return a 500kg medicinal cannabis consignment worth over M1.2m after a court ruled the seizure and detention were unlawful. Oral Health Promotion: The Minister of Health will close an oral health awareness campaign in Leribe, urging better mouth care to support overall wellbeing.

Hospital Funding Crisis: Mercy Mission says the sudden loss of long-standing donors has left its Imam Development Program and “Orphan 7” child welfare initiative facing an urgent shortfall, threatening support for about 70 orphans across 14 African countries. Hospital Accountability: Lesotho’s Public Accounts Committee ordered Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital to audit all nursing staff after allegations of licence fraud, including a nursing assistant accused of working for eight years with a fraudulent practising licence; the committee also ordered the Lesotho Nursing Council to revoke the certificate and demanded independent checks on a paediatric head’s credentials. Public Health Access: A South African study using Demographic and Health Survey data highlights that cervical cancer screening remains below targets, with the least-screened women carrying the highest disease burden—an urgent reminder for prevention efforts in the region. Medicinal Cannabis Legal Win: The High Court ordered Lesotho Mounted Police to return a 500kg medicinal cannabis consignment seized at Moshoeshoe I International Airport, ruling the detention unlawful. Oral Health Promotion: The Minister of Health will close Lesotho’s Oral Health Awareness campaign in Leribe, urging better mouth care to support overall wellbeing. Maternal Care Spotlight: A report profiles male midwives in Lesotho as the country works to reduce deaths around childbirth. Consumer Safety: Woolworths recalled a shampoo sold across South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini after tests found a rod-shaped bacterium linked to rare opportunistic infections.