A partnership of hope and impact

Last week, UNICEF Lesotho was honoured to welcome President Sister Susan Holland Porter and a high-level delegation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their visit offered an opportunity to see firsthand how their support is helping transform maternal and newborn health services—and to hear directly from the people whose lives have been touched by this partnership.

In Lesotho, too many mothers still face life-threatening risks during childbirth, and too many babies do not live to see their first birthday. Behind every statistic lies a story of loss that touches families and communities. But change is beginning to take hold. Thanks to the support of the Church, UNICEF and the Ministry of Health are working together to strengthen the health system and give mothers and babies a better chance at life.

At Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital in Maseru, President, Sister Susan Porter, and her delegation visited the Learning hub where they witnessed simulation on the management of pre-eclampsia, one of the leading obstetric emergencies for maternal and neonatal mortality. The exercise highlighted how healthcare workers are building skills, teamwork, and confidence to respond effectively in critical situations.

The visit also included an award ceremony recognizing healthcare professionals advancing simulation-based education to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Certificates were presented to simulation facilitators, clinical supervisors, and external facilitators for their exceptional commitment, leadership, and dedication. These professionals are at the forefront of building capacity, mentoring peers, and ensuring lifesaving care reaches mothers and babies across the country.

These skills are strengthened through the hospital’s national learning hub and simulation centers, where doctors, nurses, and midwives receive hands-on training. Simulation-based learning allows healthcare workers to practice life-saving interventions—from antenatal, intrapartum and postanal period.

More than 900 healthcare workers across the country have been trained, and the results are already visible. At Ntseke health facility, for example, there have been zero maternal and newborn deaths reported in 2025. For mothers and families relying on these services, this is not just a statistic—it is the difference between loss and survival.

The impact of this work extends beyond hospital walls. Mobile ultrasound machines now bring essential services to remote villages, reducing the need for long and difficult travel for expectant mothers. Care is reaching families where they live, improving access and outcomes in communities across Lesotho.

During the visit, the delegation heard firsthand from healthcare workers, simulation facilitators, and patients—listening to stories of hope and resilience. The visit provided an opportunity to reflect on progress made and the potential to scale these initiatives across all ten districts of Lesotho, ensuring that no mother or child is left behind.

UNICEF Representative in Lesotho, Deepak Bhaskaran, highlighted the significance of the partnership:

“This initiative has brought essential training, strengthened health systems, and expanded access to care for mothers and newborns, even in the most remote communities. Together with our partners, we are working to ensure that every mother and child has the support and care they need to survive and thrive.”

 
The Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Mrs. Maneo Ntene, also addressed the delegation, commending President Sister Susan Holland Porter for her leadership and generosity:

“Your commitment to supporting maternal and newborn health in Lesotho is inspiring. Through this partnership, you have helped strengthen our health system, build the skills of healthcare workers, and bring life-saving care closer to families. We are grateful for your vision and leadership in making a tangible difference for mothers and children across the country.”

 
This partnership is more than a project—it is a lifeline for mothers and newborns across Lesotho. Through strengthened health systems, hands-on training, and community-focused care, more mothers are surviving childbirth, babies are thriving, and families are gaining hope. Together with the Ministry of Health and the support of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and other donors, UNICEF Lesotho is working to ensure that all mothers and children can survive and lead healthy, productive lives.

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