Ministry of Health and UNICEF to Launch New Learning Hub and Commemorate World Prematurity Day
On Thursday, November 21, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with UNICEF, will officially launch a new Learning Hub and commemorate World Prematurity Day at Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital (QMMH). This initiative is a part of Lesotho’s ongoing strategic efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, aiming to improve healthcare services for mothers and infants across the country.
Dr. Makhoase L. Ranyali, a key figure in the initiative, highlighted that the Learning Hub, established under the Ministry’s Family Health Division and Child Health Program, will be an essential resource for enhancing the skills and attitudes of healthcare professionals. The Learning Hub is designed to address critical gaps in healthcare delivery, particularly in maternal and neonatal care, ensuring that health workers are better equipped to handle the challenges faced during pregnancy and childbirth.
“The Learning Hub is a crucial component of our strategy to improve healthcare services for mothers and newborns,” said Dr. Ranyali. “It will provide healthcare professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to offer the best care possible, which is essential for reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality rates.”
In addition to the Learning Hub at QMMH, the initiative is complemented by simulation-based education centers in the districts of Berea, Leribe, Mafeteng, and Mohale’s Hoek. These centers will provide hands-on training, allowing healthcare workers to practice and refine their skills in a safe and controlled environment, ultimately improving their ability to respond effectively to medical emergencies and complications that may arise during childbirth.
The launch of the Learning Hub and the commemoration of World Prematurity Day come at a time when global attention is increasingly focused on the importance of neonatal health. Premature birth remains one of the leading causes of infant mortality worldwide, and in Lesotho, efforts to reduce premature births and improve survival rates are critical. The event will bring together healthcare professionals, stakeholders, and the community to raise awareness about the significance of proper prenatal and postnatal care, as well as the importance of addressing the needs of preterm infants.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Health and UNICEF underscores the commitment of the Lesotho government to improving maternal and child health outcomes, as well as the importance of continuing education and professional development in healthcare. By investing in the education and training of healthcare professionals, the country hopes to make significant strides in reducing maternal and neonatal deaths and improving the overall health and well-being of mothers and babies.
This initiative is a step forward in ensuring that all mothers and newborns in Lesotho have access to the best possible care, which is vital for their survival and long-term health.
