U.S, Lesotho forge five-year health partnership

The governments of the United States and Lesotho have negotiated a five-year bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining joint commitments to strengthen the latter’s healthcare system. 

The agreement is set to be signed in December, with implementation set to begin in April 2026.

Jessica Tesoruro from the US Embassy Maseru noted that the agreement builds on 18 years of U.S. foreign assistance, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

She indicated that a U.S. delegation, led by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Mamadi Yilla and Chargé d’Affaires Thomas Hines, met with Lesotho’s Minister of Health Selibe Mochoboroane and acting Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Professor Ntoi Rapapa, this week to advance the partnership.

“The new bilateral agreement will ensure joint funding for frontline healthcare workers and the purchase of essential commodities over a five-year period. 

“It also ensures robust data systems are in place to monitor potential outbreaks and broader health outcomes. Additionally, the U.S. will provide technical assistance to support the Government of Lesotho in gradually taking over key functions of its health system management,” Tesoruro said in a statement yesterday.

She added that the agreement aligns with the U.S’ first global health strategy and follows support provided since 2007 through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Under the framework established in the MOU, the two countries will continue discussions and planning for Lesotho to achieve jointly agreed performance benchmarks toward a resilient, self-reliant, and durable health system.