MASERU–The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Pandemic Fund have provided medical and information communication equipment worth approximately M2.5 Million to strengthen disease surveillance, response and healthcare delivery in Lesotho.
The equipment, valued about M2,5m (US$150), was handed over to the Ministry of health as part of the efforts to strengthen the country’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats.
Speaking during a handover ceremony in Maseru on Friday,WHO Representative Dr. Innocent Nuwagira said the ICT equipment was procured through funding from the Pandemic Fund Project, with WHO serving as the implementing entity.
He said the project focuses on strengthening one Health disease surveillance and response in Southern Africa as part of efforts to address climate-driven disease outbreaks.
He said the ICT equipment comprises 53 laptops, 20 desk computers, 35 tablets, 20 modems for data and internet connectivity, as well as statistical analysis software.
Dr. Nuwagira explained that the medical equipment includes 138 blood glucose monitoring systems, 227 stethoscopes, three electrocardiographic machines, four protective goggles, 10 boxes of disposable mouthpieces and one box of specimen transportation materials.
He said the combined investment would contribute to strengthening the health system’s ability to detect health threats early, respond effectively and deliver essential healthcare services.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health Mrs Mats’oanelo Monyobi said the ICT equipment would improve the communication, information management and efficient delivery of health programmes, while the medical equipment would provide health care workers with tools necessary to improve patient care.
She assured the partners that the equipment would be put to good use and contribute to improving healthcare delivery and early detection capabilities.
She said the partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to improving health outcomes and supporting healthcare.
She expressed appreciation for the continued partnership between Lesotho, WHO and the Pandemic Fund in strengthening the country’s health system.
Meanwhile, the Chief private partnership officer, Ministry of Health Ms Palesa Mashoai told the Agency that the equipment will be distributed to DMA, Agric, Environment, cross border surveillance team and the Ministry of health.
She explained that the medical equipment will be distributed to different health centres according to the need of a centre.
Ms. Mashoai explained that the Pandemic Fund is a global financing mechanism established to help countries strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response capacities,so the equipment has been requested by the country because there is a need.
Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar,Malawi,Mozambique,Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe have joined forces with the World Health Organisation and other partners to implement a multi-country initiative aimed to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response capacities across the eight Southern African countries.
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