Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Lesotho Times
Published on 2024-04-04 06:26:06
Selibe Mochoboroane took over the Ministry of Health in Lesotho after the October 2002 general elections. At that time, the health sector was facing numerous challenges, including dysfunction and paralysis. The main referral hospital, Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital, was experiencing a halt in services due to disputes with the managing institution. Health workers were on strike, and community health workers were not receiving their wages. However, Mr. Mochoboroane, the leader of the Movement for Economic Change (MEC), took on the task of restoring the ministry.
Under Mr. Mochoboroane’s leadership, outstanding wages to community health workers were paid, services at Tsepong improved, and a campaign to vaccinate women and girls against cervical cancer was initiated. Despite challenges, such as high costs for cancer treatment in South Africa, Mr. Mochoboroane focused on ramping up local healthcare infrastructure, training specialist doctors locally, and promoting widespread vaccination for preventable diseases.
In an interview with Lesotho Times reporters Mohloai Mpesi and Mathatisi Sebusi, Mr. Mochoboroane discussed the Ministry of Health’s efforts to address challenges in the health sector. He emphasized the importance of disease prevention and highlighted the initiatives undertaken to combat cancer, provide palliative care, and improve healthcare services.
One of the key achievements mentioned by Mr. Mochoboroane was the shift in strategic focus towards prevention. By emphasizing integrated healthcare services and increasing the reach of treatments for diseases like TB and HIV/AIDS, the Ministry of Health aimed to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce the need for costly treatments abroad.
Mr. Mochoboroane also discussed the ongoing construction of Lesotho’s first cancer center and the establishment of supply chain storage facilities for medications. He outlined the progress made in paying village health workers on time and addressing issues related to unpaid workers.
In conclusion, Mr. Mochoboroane shared his vision for a healthy and disease-free Lesotho in the future. By focusing on prevention, improving healthcare infrastructure, and addressing challenges in the health sector, he aimed to make significant progress in improving the overall health outcomes for the country.
Read the original article on Lesotho Times
