HIS MAJESTY LAUNCHES NUTRITION AND HEALTH SYSTEMS SUPPORT PROJECT

Hundreds of Qabane community in Mohale’s Hoek on Thursday gathered at Poriking Ha Mpolokoane to witness the launch of a five year Lesotho Nutrition and Health Systems Strengthening Project (LNHSSP) by His Majesty King Letsie III.
Speaking during the launch, His Majesty said the project is aimed at improving nutrition and general health services hence urged the community to adhere to advice from Village Health Workers (VHW) and undergo regular health checks for improved health and nutrition.
He further urged them to utilize soil for food production and poverty alleviation, saying they should work in teams to overcome challenges they encounter.
His Majesty said the content of the project interlinks with his responsibility as African Union (AU) Nutrition Champion and Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) Special Ambassador.
He, therefore, called for joint efforts by all to change the current situation and make Lesotho one of the leading countries in the provision of good health and nutrition services and also a leader in the fight against malnutrition and stunting.
He said the Lesotho Demographic Health Survey conducted in 2004 has revealed stunting to be prevailing among children especially those in the highlands due to poor nutrition hence the launch in the area that is hard to reach and disadvantaged.
“Stunting is a major concern among the children due to poor nutrition and poor care of pregnant mothers,” he said, expressing hope that the timely implementation of the project will address the high rate of stunting and malnutrition.
His Majesty King Letsie III said the government of Lesotho is in partnership with the power of nutrition and the World Bank to among others strengthen community-based nutrition service delivery, reduce malnutrition and improve services of the Village Health Workers (VHW).
At the same event, the Prime Minister, Dr Moeketsi Majoro called on men to support women in activities intended to improve children’s nutrition, saying proper nutrition starts from pregnancy.
He further called for collaborative efforts among VHWs, extension officers and nurses to improve children’s nutrition and health status.
Meanwhile, in an interview, members of the community expressed delight to have the country’s leadership in the area to witness the challenges they are faced with.
The Headman of Ha Khamakhamane, Mr. Thabang Rakhiba said the project is highly appreciated since, through its interventions, mothers and family members will be provided with health and nutrition education and will also be counselled on a balanced diet for newborn children.
 
Present at the launch included the acting Minister of Health, Minister in the Prime Minister’s office, Minister of Tourism, Environment and Culture also Member of Parliament for Hloahloeng, representative of the World Bank, Principal Secretaries, Director General Health Services, public servants, chiefs, community councillors, public members and school children.
 
Source: LENA 29/04/2022