MASERU, Lesotho, October 30, 2026 – Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso has launched World Vision International Lesotho’s five-year national strategy, setting an ambitious target of improving the lives of 650,000 vulnerable children and their families by 2030.
The strategy, covering the 2026 to 2030 financial years, was officially launched on October 30 under the theme, “Transforming Lives, Empowering Communities with Agile, Low-Cost, High-Impact Programmes.”
Queen ‘Masenate, who serves as Champion for Child Protection, praised World Vision for its longstanding contribution to Lesotho’s development, particularly its work supporting vulnerable children and families through community-based programmes and partnerships.
Addressing the launch, the Queen observed that although cooperation between government, development organisations and other stakeholders had delivered progress, many children across the country continued to experience serious social and economic difficulties.
These include violence, malnutrition, stunting and exclusion, with children living with disabilities facing additional barriers to accessing essential services and opportunities.
She identified two major priorities within the new strategy: ending violence against children and improving child health and nutrition.
The initiative seeks to reach 650,000 vulnerable children and their families over the next five years, requiring stronger coordination, sustained investment and clear accountability for results.
The Queen called on government institutions to strengthen policies, public services and financial commitments directed towards children’s welfare.
She also urged Parliament to play an active role through legislation, oversight and the allocation of resources that protect children’s rights and improve their living conditions.
Development partners and funding agencies were encouraged to maintain their support and consider increasing investment in programmes backed by evidence and capable of producing lasting improvements in communities.
A central message from the Queen was the need to give children a genuine role in decisions affecting their welfare and future.
She called for their participation in development processes, stating that nothing should be done for children without children.
Health Ministry pledges continued cooperation
Meanwhile, Lesotho’s Minister of Health, Mamokete Ntšekhe, reiterated the ministry’s commitment to its longstanding partnership with World Vision International Lesotho.
She recognised the organisation’s contribution to strengthening the country’s health systems, improving nutrition, protecting children and helping communities become more resilient to social and economic challenges.
Ntšekhe also called for closer coordination among development partners to ensure their programmes complement government priorities and address the country’s most pressing needs.
She said development initiatives should be designed around the realities of communities, with their success measured by improvements experienced by families rather than activities and discussions taking place in boardrooms.
The Minister further called for stronger decentralisation of healthcare services, pointing to the importance of District Health Management Teams, village health workers and community outreach programmes.
She said these structures were essential to bringing healthcare closer to households, particularly in communities where access to medical facilities and other basic services remains difficult.
The strategy places child protection, improved nutrition and accessible healthcare at the centre of World Vision’s planned interventions in Lesotho through 2030.
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