Lesotho

The country ratified the African Risk Capacity Treaty after the Permanent Representative to the African Union and the United Nations Commission for Africa deposited the instruments of ratification with the African Union Commission

To strengthen the quality of HIV testing services, the country is moving to the WHO-recommended three HIV test strategy in which a person is diagnosed with HIV after three consecutive reactive tests

The Lesotho Electricity Company, a parastatal utility, is in financial difficulties due to the high cost of importing electricity from South Africa and huge debts to service providers, and will not be able to pay annual bonuses to employees

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development held a meeting to raise awareness of opportunities under the programme to support economic growth, job creation and the implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement

The annual National Day of Prayer 2024 has been set for 28 June as part of the country’s bicentennial celebrations; it commemorates the arrival of missionaries in Lesotho and will be organized by the National Prayer Coordination Committee

Farmers in the Berea district have expressed their happiness at the first snowfalls, saying they provide the necessary moisture for crops, an opportunity to maximise their production

The Chief of Police, Dr Mahlape Morai, has called on the Basotho and all those residing in the country to hand in illegal firearms to the police from 21 May to 5 June in connection with the 'Silence of Arms in the Kingdom of Lesotho' campaign

Midwives are often the first responders in communities affected by climate disasters or conflicts, playing a key role in preventing maternal deaths, UNFPA pointed out, citing the crucial impact of midwives

The government set up a commission of enquiry to investigate the prisoner escape and alleged torture of inmates at the Maseru Central Correctional Institution in December 2023

First National Bank-Lesotho officially launched its credit card tracking programme to improve financial inclusion and facilitate payments

3-year Rapid Rural Transformation project will begin in Ha-Mohlakoana area; initiative of WFP and other partners, it aims to create a hub powered by solar energy, adequate water resources, and information and communication technologies in remote areas

Amnesty International called on authorities to investigate torture of inmates at Maseru Correctional Institution after Ombudsman highlighted patterns of human rights violations, including torture, excessive use of force and denial of medical care

The Lesotho Electricity and Water Authority said it approved an increase of 9,6286% for the "energy and maximum demand" tariff and 5% for the "basic tariff"