Lesotho Red Cross Empowers Village Health Workers to Boost Immunisation Efforts

The Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS), in collaboration with the District Health Management Team (DHMT), has launched a focused training initiative aimed at saving lives and strengthening livelihoods through improved immunisation outreach. The training targets Village Health Workers (VHWs) and is part of the broader efforts to tackle low immunisation rates in rural communities.

Speaking to the Agency on Thursday, LRCS Senior Branch Development Officer Miss Refiloe Ramokebe explained that the goal of the programme is to equip VHWs with essential knowledge and tools to actively encourage community members to prioritise immunisation. This includes reaching vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, lactating mothers, the elderly, and young children.

The three-day training, which takes place over one day at each selected facility, is being held at three key health centres: St. Theresa, Khohlontso, and Sehonghong. These areas were chosen based on data indicating persistent challenges with immunisation uptake. The sessions began on July 31 at Khohlontso and are scheduled to conclude on August 1.

Miss Ramokebe highlighted that this initiative forms part of the Saving Lives and Livelihoods (SLL) Project, spearheaded by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Southern Africa. The SLL project is designed to enhance community resilience through health education and strengthened healthcare systems, particularly in underserved regions.

By empowering local health workers and reinforcing grassroots health communication, the LRCS aims to close the immunisation gap and support healthier, more informed communities across Lesotho.