Lesotho, SADC's litmus test
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
In various forms, the conflict in Lesotho has bubbled under since its Independence in 1966, erupting several times over the decades to often claim lives, fuel regional instability and further entrench poverty among Basotho. At least 40 percent of the population lives under the poverty datum line, while 20 percent of children under five are underweight. Other challenges such as HIV/AIDS, high unemployment, widening inequality and an undiversified economy abound.
However, all these play second fiddle to the political conflict that has raged in Lesotho over the decades, often necessitating diplomatic and even military intervention from the region.
The recent Vaccination Day in Motokwe, orchestrated through collaborative efforts between UNICEF, USAID, BRCS, and the Ministry of Health, underscores a commendable stride towards fortifying child health services.The painful reality as reflected by the Ministry of Health's data regarding the decline in routine immunisation coverage since the onset of the pandemic, is a cause for concern.It underscores the urgent need to address the...