Hopolang Mokhopi
THE Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) is making a major investment in the health and well-being of communities and schools in the Phase II region of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP).
In a recent ceremony held at the Polihali Operations Centre in Mokhotlong, the LHDA handed over a wide range of essential resources valued at M9.5 million.
The donation includes 90,000 information, education, and communication (IEC) materials focusing on critical health topics, 427 pairs of hiking boots for Village Health Workers, and laptops with weighing scales to support growth and nutrition monitoring in 11 high schools.
This initiative is part of the LHWP’s Public Health Action Plan (PHAP), which is designed to address public health challenges in the areas surrounding the project. It’s a significant step towards improving access to health information and strengthening the delivery of healthcare services.
The IEC materials focus on a wide range of health topics including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, family planning and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They were developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health’s Health Education Department and partners such as the Lesotho Planned Parenthood Association, Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation – Lesotho and SolidarMed. To ensure effectiveness, the materials were reviewed for cultural sensitivity and clarity by health professionals and local language experts.
Speaking at the handover, LHDA Polihali Operations Branch Manager, Gerald Mokone, said the donation was about empowering communities to make informed health decisions.
“Access to accurate health information is crucial for people to take charge of their own health. This handover reflects our commitment to long-term social investment,” Mr Mokone said.
The laptops and weighing scales will be used in 11 high schools; Mokhotlong, Seeiso, St. James, Maboloka, Sekonyela, Mapholaneng, Khotsang, St. Martins, Laghetto, Katie, and Mamohai, to support the School Health Programme.
“These tools will help schools monitor students’ growth and nutritional status, providing early insights into their health needs.”
The Director of Primary Health Care in the Ministry of Health, Llang Maama, praised the LHDA for supporting the country’s disease prevention goals.
“These materials answer our call to shift more attention towards preventing disease and promoting health in our communities,” Dr Maama said.
The Ministry of Education was represented by Jone Marole, Chief Education Officer for Secondary Education, who applauded the alignment between LHDA’s School Health Programme and the national School Health and Nutrition Policy.
“The LHDA’s programme is making a real difference by addressing key student needs such as psychosocial support, reproductive health, and nutrition. It directly supports the priorities set by the Ministry,” Dr Marole said.