The Ministry of Health has hailed the second peer-to-peer Joint External Evaluation (JEE), which coincides with the ongoing review of the National Health Policy. 

Health Minister, Selibe Mochoboroane, said the evaluation places a renewed emphasis on International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and the broader goal of enhancing health security at both national and international level.

He noted that the JEE is a voluntary, yet vital process under the IHR Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. 

“It offers a structured, evidence-based assessment of country’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to health threats, whether they originate from humans, animals, environmental factors, chemical events, or other emergencies,” Mochoboroane said today at the official opening of the JEE.

“Beyond local expertise, the JEE leverages international peer learning, fostering transparency, mutual accountability and shared progress,” he added.

World Health Organisation representative, Dr. Innocent Nuwagira congratulated the government, saying Lesotho has demonstrates its continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and collaboration across sectors in strengthening national health security.

Dr Nuwagira stated that the JEE provides an independent and comprehensive assessment of a country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats, including those that transcend borders, as seen with COVID-19, multi-country Mpox and cholera outbreaks, among others.