Quthing, Feb. 17 – The World Bank Mission, together with government and non-government stakeholders in nutrition issues, convened a one-day meeting at the District Administrator’s Hall to strengthen efforts against malnutrition in the district.
Organized by the Food and Nutrition Coordinating Office (FNCO) under the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting started with field visits to child grant beneficiary households and children admitted for malnutrition-related illnesses in district government hospital and Khohlong Nutrition Club IN Koali Agricultural Resource Centre.
The initiative forms part of preparations for the Lesotho Multi-Sectoral Country Project (LMSCP), designed to combat malnutrition and support King Letsie III in his role as African Union Nutrition Champion and FAO Special Ambassador for Nutrition.
At the event, FNCO Director Dr. ‘Mamotheo Daemane-Marumo emphasized the importance of collaboration, urging departments to share challenges openly to ensure effective support.
She noted that the World Bank has pledged financial support for district-level activities, stressing that departmental heads through their powers play a crucial role effective in planning implementation and monitoring of projects activities to meet thier intended purpose.
District Medical Officer Dr. Makarants’i Mohlapiso highlighted the role of village health workers in extending nutrition health services to communities.
Dr. Mohlapiso called for among others training support to local leaders, including chiefs and councillors, to strengthen support for village health workers in promoting proper nutrition practices leading to good health.
District Agricultural Officer Mrs. Nkhala Mokhethi pointed to transport shortages as a major obstacle to reach rural communities with proper nutrition guidance, appealing for World Bank assistance.
Meanwhile, the Lesotho Red Cross Society District Branch Development Manager Mr. Maphoma Mosaola emphasized the need for community-driven projects to ensure sustainability.
In an interview World Bank Task Team Leader Dr. Zelalem Debebe confirmed that the meeting was part of preparatory activities for the LMSCP.
Dr. Debebe added that the project plan is expected to be finalized and approved by the World Bank Board by December.
The LMSCP will start in four districts hardest hit by stunting, namely Mohale’s Hoek, Quthing, Qacha’s Nek, and Thaba-Tseka according to the 2023–24 Lesotho Demographic Health Survey.
The mission was formed with officials from among others Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, World Bank, Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, Ministry of Health, and Food and Nutrition Coordinating Office.
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