The Third Order, Society of St Francis (TSSF) of the Anglican Church of Lesotho yesterday formally handed over life-saving maternal and neonatal care equipment to the management of St. James Mission Hospital.
The new equipment, worth more than M80,000 including value added tax and courier services, is intended for the hospital’s busy maternity ward in Mantsonyane, Thaba‑Tseka. It was purchased through a generous donation from the Monaco Department of International Cooperation and the contribution was facilitated by TSSF member and advisor, Chaba Mokuku.
Yesterday’s ceremony was officiated by the TSSF Convenor, Ntsebeng Mafereka, accompanied by fellow members of the Order, and graced by the presence of Bishop-elect for the Anglican Diocese of Lesotho, Rev. Molemo Edwin Baatjies.
Speaking on behalf of St. James Mission Hospital Mantšonyane, Khoonyane Mabitso thanked the TSSF group for the donation saying it had come at a crucial time when they are facing a critical shortage of vital equipment.
He noted that patients sometimes have to travel to Tšepong to get services.
St. James Mission Hospital is the only Anglican Church–run hospital in Lesotho and the entire Province of Southern Africa.
Situated 120 kilometres from Maseru and serving more than 40 remote mountain villages, the hospital remains a critical lifeline for thousands of vulnerable families. Its maternity ward is one of the most heavily used health facilities in the district, with more than 80 percent of mothers arriving without basic birthing materials due to widespread poverty.
In 2025, funding from Monaco enabled the hospital to acquire essential tools such as an infant radiant warmer, a fetal doppler, a gynecological couch, vital‑sign monitors, baby scales, oximeters, warm infant clothing, blankets, and heaters. These improvements significantly increased safety for roughly 400 mothers and newborns annually.
With patient numbers rising and high‑risk pregnancies becoming more common, the hospital identified an urgent need for additional specialised equipment. The newly procured items include a vital‑sign monitor (NiBPi) and a standard infant incubator (GAM‑BIN‑3000B). These will strengthen emergency neonatal care, improve the monitoring of premature or distressed infants, and reduce avoidable complications.
The project, titled Strengthening Maternal and Neonatal Care – St James Mission Hospital, Maternity Ward, runs from January 2026 to June 2026 and aims to enhance maternal and infant survival in the region. Activities will include the installation and testing of the new equipment, staff orientation, and monitoring of improved health outcomes.
According to the TSSF, the initiative is part of its commitment to caring for the needy across Lesotho. The Anglican Church of Lesotho and St. James Hospital have pledged to ensure long‑term sustainability through regular maintenance, ongoing staff training, and continued mobilisation of resources from church networks and philanthropic partners.
Direct beneficiaries of the project include approximately 400 mothers and newborns each year, with indirect benefits extending to their families, more than 40 surrounding villages, and the healthcare workers who rely on improved tools to provide quality care.
The TSSF group will also be donating warm clothes and toiletries for newborns at the same hospital before the end of this month.
