pictured: Ex-miner Sebota Motseki Billy Ntaote This story is supported
Health
“We were told to stop everything immediately”: HIV programmes collapse after USAID decision
PEPFAR was started in 2003 under the administration of President George W. Bush. It has been one of the most successful examples of foreign aid in recent history. A large portion of PEPFAR funds are distributed through USAID, the aid organisation of the US government. Photo: Sechaba Mokhethi Sechaba Mokhethi The stoppage
Lesotho’s cancer burden and its soaring cost
Billy Ntaote Lesotho cancer patients’ dependence on South African oncology services in Bloemfontein has brought a huge financial burden to the country’s health budget and created a dire need for oncology services to be provided locally. On February 5, during a celebration of Cancer Day—celebrated on February 4th internationally—Health Minister Selibe Mochoboroane
Lesotho advances M800 million cancer facility amid legal battle
On 8 January 2025, hopes soared when Lesotho’s Health Minister Selibe Mochoboroane handed over a plot of land for the construction of a much-anticipated M800 million cancer treatment facility.
This government-funded facility in the capital, Maseru, would be the first of its kind in the country and would alleviate the suffering of Lesotho’s growing number of cancer patients who currently have no choice but to seek costly cancer treatment in neighbouring South Africa.
But things aren’t as exciting or straightforward as the politicians make them seem. The process of awarding the tender to build this facility is being challenged in court. The Malawian company, Plem Construction, was selected as the winning bidder in April 2024, but the rival bidder, Unik Construction Engineering Pty Ltd. believes the process was flawed and has asked the Constitutional Court to intervene.
Govt seeking to fund drug trials
MATIISETSO MOSALA The government of Lesotho revealed its plan to raise M7-million to fund pre-clinical and clinical trials for the National University of Lesotho’s (NUL) drug compound, a potential treatment for Covid. The trials will evaluate whether the drug compound is safe for use in humans and determine if it can be
Fears of third Covid wave in Lesotho
Letšeng mine faced with COVID-19 infection scare
Mine downplays high risks amid deaths Matiisetso Mosala Lesotho’s highest quality diamond producer, Letšeng Diamond Mine is allegedly faced with a challenge of containing the spread of COVID-19 amongst workers contracted by various companies on its mining site in Mokhotlong. The spread of the virus at the mine has reportedly led to the
Female condom low demand widens inequality gap
Matiisetso Mosala Cultural norms have dictated that women shy away from acts that expose their sexual desires. Women in Lesotho are frowned at if found carrying condoms on them. This exposes them to unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and further elevates their risk of contracting HIV. The female condom, known as femidom, was developed in the
Lesotho urged to go techno to quell new HIV infections
‘MATIISETSO MOSALA AND TUMISANG SERAME Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Machesetsa Mofomobe has advised parliament to adopt technological applications to remind people at regular intervals to use condoms as a preventive measure against HIV/AIDS. This approach, Mofomobe recommended during National Assembly’s deliberations on new HIV/AIDS infections threatening prospects of sustainable funding to support treatment of the pandemic. “New
Misery of being gay in Lesotho and the fight against HIV
…HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men a concern under the spotlight for People’s Matrix Billy Ntaote His attackers knew nothing and were ignorant and never thought deeply what it means to be loved and to live freely to make one’s own choices without being limited by rigid cultural norms. Rethabile (not
