‘Mantšali Phakoana
The African Union (AU) has extended King Letsie III’s term as its Nutrition Champion for the next two years.
The decision was made during the 37th Ordinary Session of the AU Summit held over the weekend at the organisation’s headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In a statement released yesterday, Lesotho’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU Commission, Ntšiuoa Sekete, said His Majesty has often called for more financial and material resources to boost nutrition on the continent, focusing mainly on children and vulnerable groups.
“Over the years, the King has addressed and made contact with many stakeholders, particularly policy makers in health, agriculture, nutrition, environment, climate change and finance sectors, among others, to craft solutions to the continent’s hunger and nutrition challenges.
“The King’s continued championship will reinforce existing levers to sustain resources for nutrition in Africa. We are pleased and grateful that His Majesty has immersed himself in this important mandate and for the remarkable work he has done to advance continental efforts and agenda on nutrition,” Sekete said.
She noted that the AU, through Minata Samate Cessouma, its commissioner for health, humanitarian affairs and social development, has acknowledged His Majesty’s role, impact and dedication to the mandate, but most importantly, willingness to serve the people of Africa.
“In March 2023, at a high-level event on nutrition financing held in Maseru, His Majesty King Letsie III called on leaders to put in place practical and sustainable financing mechanisms to deliver improved nutrition outcomes,” Sekete recalled. The King has led the continental nutrition agenda since 2016.
