In a significant move towards improving adolescent health amongst other issues in Lesotho, the Lesotho Sport and Recreation Commission (LSRC) and UNICEF Lesotho officially launched a partnership on Thursday, September 5th, at the LSRC headquarters. This innovative initiative, co-funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) through UNICEF, aims to reach adolescents and young people with integrated health services, particularly focusing on increasing vaccine uptake.
The partnership is a direct response to the growing need for accessible healthcare among young people in Lesotho. By leveraging the appeal of sports and recreation, the initiative seeks to promote both physical and mental well-being while addressing critical public health issues, including vaccine hesitancy. The launch event was graced by the presence of the Minister of Health and the Minister of Sports, underscoring the government’s commitment to this vital cause.
One of the unique aspects of this partnership is its emphasis on utilizing sports as a platform to reach young people with health services. A series of sports events, including tournaments and physical activity challenges, will be organized across the four target districts: Mohale’s Hoek, Berea, Leribe, and Maseru. These events are not just about competition; they are designed to promote physical fitness, mental well-being, and healthy lifestyles.
Moreover, these sporting events will provide a crucial opportunity for healthcare professionals to offer on-site vaccinations and health screenings. By bringing healthcare services directly to the communities, the initiative aims to make it easier for adolescents and young people to access the care they need. The first event is scheduled for Mohale’s Hoek on September 14th, followed by Berea on October 12th, Leribe on November 2nd, and Maseru on November 16th.
A key component of the partnership is the integration of U-Report, a UNICEF platform that allows young people to voice their concerns and opinions on various issues, including health. During the sports events, interactive sessions with U-Report ambassadors will be held to engage participants. These sessions will not only provide information on vaccinations and other health issues but will also gather real-time feedback to help understand the barriers to vaccination. This data will be invaluable in informing policy and program development, ensuring that the initiative is responsive to the needs of the community.
Beyond increasing vaccine awareness and uptake, the partnership between LSRC and UNICEF Lesotho has broader health objectives. The initiative aims to promote overall health and well-being by encouraging physical activity and educating communities on nutrition, mental health, and preventive healthcare. By addressing multiple aspects of health in a holistic manner, the project seeks to improve the long-term health outcomes for adolescents and young people in the target districts.
UNICEF Lesotho Country Representative, Deepak Bhaskaran, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “Sports offer a powerful avenue to connect with children, families, and communities, making it an ideal platform for health education. By integrating sports programs, we can effectively raise awareness about the importance of immunization.”
This project is a collaborative effort involving local sports clubs, schools, community organizations, and health authorities, all working together with strong support from the Ministry of Health. The partnership aims to tackle vaccine hesitancy and enhance public health outcomes in Berea, Leribe, Maseru and Mohale’s Hoek.
The LSRC and UNICEF Lesotho partnership represents a promising and innovative approach to public health, combining the power of sports with health education and services. As the initiative rolls out across the target districts, it is expected to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of adolescents and young people in Lesotho.
