Lesotho ramps up efforts to curb NCDIs with national coordinating mechanism

Maseru - To address the rising burden of non-communicable diseases and injuries (NCDIs), the Ministry of Health, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDI Poverty Network, and other partners, launched a National Multi-sectoral NCDIs Coordinating Mechanism. The high-level event brought together key stakeholders from across sectors, marking a significant milestone in Lesotho's commitment to strengthening its response to NCDIs.

This newly established mechanism aims to foster collaboration, shared responsibility, and ensure coordinated action among government ministries, civil society, development partners, and the private sector. It will serve as a platform to align efforts and drive impactful interventions across sectors.

Globally, NCDs are the leading cause of death and disability, accounting for over 70% of all deaths. These chronic conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, and mental health disorders, are primarily driven by preventable risk factors such as tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and air pollution.

Lesotho faces a dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, with NCDs responsible for approximately 45% of all deaths in 2019. The most prevalent conditions include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and injuries. Other significant NCDIs include mental health disorders, chronic respiratory illnesses, and sensory impairments such as vision and hearing loss.

Presiding over the launch, Minister of Health Hon. Selibe Mochoboroane emphasized the urgency of the situation:

"NCDIs are silent killers. Half of our people are losing their lives to these conditions, often without warning. But today marks a turning point. I am proud to launch the national multi-sectoral coordinating mechanism for NCDIs and mental health. We have already taken bold steps such as the construction of the Starlight Oasis of Hope Cancer Centre, Lesotho's first palliative care facility, and we are rolling out a comprehensive NCD package at the primary healthcare level."

The Minister stressed the importance of creating environments that support healthy choices, stating:
"Let us work together to advocate for policies that make healthy living the easier choice. We are committed to strengthening our health facilities to deliver high-quality care, including mental health services. Our journey begins with a stakeholder meeting to map resources and exchange ideas for a comprehensive national plan on NCD prevention."

WHO Representative Dr. Innocent Nuwagira echoed the importance of a collaborative approach:

"The launch of this mechanism is a critical step forward. The risk factors for NCDs span multiple sectors: agriculture, education, trade, finance, and transport. Only by working together across these sectors can we effectively combat NCDs. WHO remains committed to supporting the Government of Lesotho and all stakeholders by providing technical expertise, sharing best practices, and mobilizing resources."

Dr. Colin Pfaff, Associate Director of the NCDI Poverty Network, also underscored the value of a multi-sectoral strategy in addressing the complex nature of NCDIs.

Despite the challenges, Lesotho is demonstrating strong leadership and commitment. The Ministry of Health has already developed an Integrated Multi-sectoral NCD Strategy, laying the foundation for a more coordinated and effective national response. As part of the launch, technical presentations on global/regional trends, as well as the national status of NCDs, were made by Drs. Hailu Sirak (WHO) and Malitaba Litaba (MOH). The presentations highlighted that NCDs accounted for 45 percent of all deaths in Lesotho in 2019, giving the country the highest NCD-related mortality rate per 100,000 people in the African region.