More than 6,000 people from health service areas in Thaba-Tseka and Quthing districts have been reached through community mobilization activities under the six-month Saving Lives and Livelihoods (SLL) project. The project, implemented by the Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS) and funded by the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), is set to be phased out next month.
The SLL project was launched in response to concerns raised by the Ministry of Health over low vaccination coverage in several districts. Working in collaboration with District Health Management Teams (DHMTs), the initiative targeted health service areas identified by the Ministry as underperforming in vaccination uptake for COVID-19, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and other childhood illnesses.
Speaking to the Agency, SLL Project Officer Ms. Semangela Phethoka said the project was designed to improve vaccination coverage in the two districts through structured community outreach. Mobilization activities were carried out with the support of DHMTs and local clinics under their supervision. These activities focused on disseminating key health messages that emphasized the importance of the life course approach to immunization, which encourages timely vaccination across all age groups to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases.
Ms. Phethoka explained that the project not only created awareness but also strengthened community engagement, building trust in health services and helping residents understand the critical role of vaccines in protecting public health. She added that the active participation of local health workers and community leaders was vital in ensuring the success of the mobilization activities.
The SLL project’s achievements reflect a coordinated effort between LRCS, DHMTs, and the Ministry of Health to address gaps in vaccination coverage. As the project concludes next month, stakeholders hope the momentum created will continue to influence positive health-seeking behaviors in Quthing and Thaba-Tseka.
By reaching more than 6,000 people with essential health information, the SLL project has contributed to safeguarding communities from vaccine-preventable diseases while reinforcing the importance of sustained public health initiatives in rural districts.
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