US Launches $7m Health Initiative in Lesotho

By Mintesinot Nigussie  |  September 10, 2026

The United States has launched a new health initiative in Lesotho that will channel 7 million US dollars into HIV and maternal and child health services during its first year, with funding delivered through faith-based and community organisations.

The Faith and Community Initiative was launched in Lesotho by US Chargé d’Affaires Hines alongside Health Minister M’amokete Ntšekhe, World Vision Lesotho National Director Dr James Chifwelu and senior government and development partners.

Under the initiative, the US will allocate 5 million US dollars to HIV programmes and 2 million US dollars to maternal and child health services. World Vision will lead a network of faith-based partners responsible for delivering the programmes.

The initiative is designed to shift US foreign assistance towards locally delivered health services while strengthening Lesotho’s health system and supporting health workers.

The programme will integrate HIV, tuberculosis and maternal and child health services through faith-based and community platforms, which the initiative’s organisers say can help bring healthcare closer to communities.

The US said the approach will also strengthen local health workers and support a longer-term path towards greater self-reliance in the health sector.

Faith-based and community organisations are expected to play a central role in delivering the services, drawing on their established presence and relationships within local communities.

The launch comes as Lesotho continues to rely on external development partners to support key areas of its public health system, particularly HIV services and maternal and child healthcare.

Source: FSX Business News