Health · National
A network of 26 civil society organisations has launched in Lesotho to strengthen vaccine uptake and reach communities that government health services cannot always access — including, for the first time, a structured programme bringing sign language interpreters to clinics for deaf parents.
Lemohang Botsane
The Ministry of Health has welcomed the launch of the Immunisation Network of Civil Society Organisations Lesotho, known as INCL, saying civil society groups are an extension of the health system in areas where government clinics and hospitals cannot always reach.
Speaking at the launch, Acting Principal Secretary Dr. Llang Maama said civil society organisations function as an extra arm of the health system, reaching villages and communities through village health workers, chiefs, faith-based groups and mothers’ clubs.
“Through village health workers, chiefs, faith-based groups and mothers’ clubs, CSOs bring health information to the people and encourage families to vaccinate their children,” Dr. Maama said.
Dr. Maama said the timing of the network matters because Lesotho is working to counter vaccine hesitancy. The ministry believes INCL will increase vaccination rates and help address broader health problems in communities.
“Civil society is the conscience of society. We speak up, hold leaders accountable, and make sure no one is forgotten.” — Puseletso Sethunya, INCL Chairperson
Irene Mechele of the National Association of the Deaf Lesotho told the launch that deaf parents have long faced a specific barrier at clinics: no sign language interpreters. Many deaf caregivers could not ask questions or follow the advice nurses were giving them.
NADL has begun working with health centres, chiefs and village authorities to identify deaf parents and place interpreters at clinic visits. Mechele said the response from families has been direct: “Parents said they felt proud and confident because they could finally speak directly with health workers and understand the advice they were given.”
Mechele said the programme has demonstrated that deaf people can work as interpreters, reducing stigma and creating employment. She called on the government and partners to expand the sign language programme to rural areas where resources remain limited.
INCL Chairperson Puseletso Sethunya said the network was formed in September 2024 following training supported by GAVI at Thaba-Bosiu. Its 26 member organisations focus on advocacy and equitable access to vaccines across communities.
INCL is supported by GAVI, the World Health Organization, UNICEF and CHAI. Working alongside the Ministry of Health, the network will support Lesotho’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation.
