Lesotho: Protecting children and fighting cancer in Lesotho

The article examines Lesotho’s growing cancer burden and government-led efforts to prevent disease through expanded childhood vaccination programmes. It highlights rising cancer cases in the country and outlines initiatives by the Ministry of Health to protect children while addressing gender-specific health risks, particularly cervical cancer among women.

A national campaign is vaccinating girls aged nine to 14 against the human papillomavirus, which is linked to cervical cancer, while ensuring boys and girls aged six receive routine immunisations against tetanus, diphtheria and polio. The programme works through schools, churches and community structures to improve access and coverage, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

The story also profiles the role of civil society organisations such as Paballo-ea-Bophelo, which supports government efforts through community engagement, storytelling and local-language media. Officials and partners emphasise the importance of collective responsibility, accurate information and trust-building to counter misinformation and improve public health outcomes.

LINK TO PUBLISHED STORY: https://informativenews.co.ls/2026/02/11/protecting-children-and-fighting-cancer-in-lesotho/

This article, first published by Informative Newspaper, is part of the Media Parity Capacity Building and republished as part of the programme series.