By Neo Kolane
The United Nations in Lesotho and its partner organisations have developed a Covid-19 response plan specifically focusing on health, WASH, protection food security, education and nutrition.
The UN team led by the acting Resident Coordinator Anurita Bains has worked hard in helping combat the Covid-19 in Lesotho as Lesotho has been a member of the UN since 1966.
Since last month, Covid-19 cases and deaths have increased about 200 percent and 180 percent, respectively, in Lesotho, with a severe second wave currently stressing health-care systems and livelihoods.
“Movements and economic restrictions are making the delivery of essential programmes challenging,” Bains said.
“We have assisted all of the country’s 193 health facilities to maintain essential services, including maternal health for nearly 200 000 women, as well as HIV support and vaccinations for more than 22 000 children,” Bains stated
The UN has also trained more than 13,000 community health workers to respond to the pandemic.
Bains also said more than 360 000 people have benefitted from improved access to water and sanitation, with the UN having built nearly 170 permanent hand washing stations.
The UN added that it has supported three new apps to monitor community cases of the virus, and also report domestic violence, and an e-market platform for smallholder farmers.
