Key Findings from Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey 2023-2024 on Water, Sanitation, and Health
The Ministry of Health recently convened a workshop to unveil the key findings of the Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS) 2023-2024. The survey provides comprehensive data on demographic and health indicators, offering insights into water, sanitation, and health at national, urban, and rural levels.
Access to Clean Water
One of the most notable findings from the survey is the improvement in access to clean drinking water. According to Mr. Pheello Phera, who spoke on behalf of the Chief Environmental Health Officer for Water, Sanitation, and Health, 82 percent of Lesotho’s population now has access to clean drinking water. This is a significant milestone in addressing water scarcity and ensuring public health. Additionally, 65 percent of respondents reported having sufficient availability of drinking water, reflecting progress in meeting the basic needs of communities.
Sanitation and Hygiene Challenges
Despite progress in water accessibility, sanitation and hygiene remain critical areas for intervention. The survey highlights persistent gaps in access to adequate sanitation facilities, particularly in rural areas. These challenges underline the need for continued investment in infrastructure and public health education to combat diseases linked to poor sanitation.
Fertility, Family Planning, and Maternal Health
The LDHS also sheds light on other vital health metrics. Fertility rates in Lesotho remain a topic of concern, with disparities observed between urban and rural populations. Family planning efforts, while gaining traction, require further reinforcement to ensure broader access to contraceptives and reproductive health education. On maternal health, the survey indicates an improvement in antenatal care coverage, but maternal mortality rates still demand urgent attention.
The Path Forward
The Ministry of Health, together with its partners, is committed to leveraging these findings to inform policy and programmatic interventions. Strategies to improve water and sanitation infrastructure, enhance family planning services, and reduce maternal mortality are expected to remain at the forefront of the nation’s health agenda.
The LDHS 2023-2024 serves as a critical tool for policymakers, health professionals, and development partners to identify priorities and monitor progress toward achieving better health outcomes for all Basotho.
