Mathatisi Sebusi
THE Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), has launched a two-year project aimed at curbing the country’s high maternal mortality rate and improving access to medical services for pregnant women and newborns.
The project, Maternal Aid for Mothers Assurance (MAMA), is funded by ADRA to the tune of M8 million and will be implemented in Maseru and Berea.
This was revealed on Friday during the launch of the project by Berea District Medical Officer (DMO), Dr Nkolombwey Lubuma.
Dr Lubuma said the initiative seeks to reduce maternal deaths in the country and supports the Ministry of Health’s commitment to meeting national and international targets, including Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.
“Lesotho’s maternal mortality ratio remains significantly high compared to global and regional averages. According to the 2023/2024 Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS), the maternal mortality ratio stands at 530 deaths per 100 000 live births,” Dr Lubuma said.
He added that under the leadership of the Minister of Health, broader efforts are underway to strengthen health system performance in order to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths.
Maternal Health Manager, Mampho Mafereka, said that despite progress made over the years, too many women still face preventable risks during pregnancy and childbirth.
She said the MAMA project directly responds to this challenge by promoting quality, respectful and timely maternity care, particularly for women in underserved communities.
“This project aligns strongly with our national priorities, including the implementation of intrapartum care guidelines, respectful maternity care, and the modified partograph. Together, these efforts will help us move from reacting to complications to preventing them,” Ms Mafereka said.
She added that maternal and newborn health remains a national priority, but challenges persist.
“While we have made progress over the years, we continue to face challenges such as preventable maternal deaths, limited access to quality intrapartum care, delays in seeking and receiving care, and gaps in continuity of services—especially for women in hard-to-reach areas.”
Ms Mafereka further noted that the project guarantees timely and high-quality care for expectant mothers throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period.
She said the project aims to strengthen the quality of maternity care in health facilities, promote respectful maternity care, improve early identification and management of complications, enhance referral systems and community linkages, and ensure that no woman is left behind because of geography, poverty or lack of information.
ADRA Country Director, Thotolo Maketekete, said although the project currently covers only five health facilities in Berea and six in Maseru, there is hope that its reach will be expanded.
“We will also be very glad if we get support to duplicate this project and implement it in other districts. This project is a necessity, and we want to see it rolled out in all districts,” Mr Maketekete said.
“With partnerships, this is possible. Not every project needs donor funding. We have to come up with ways to implement our policies without relying solely on donor funds.”
Mr Maketekete said the MAMA project will also support mothers living with disabilities who are pregnant, giving birth or breastfeeding, ensuring they can easily access health services.
“This project is very important. We do not have to lose a woman to pregnancy or childbirth, or lose a child during delivery.”