High in the mountains of Lesotho, where steep slopes and isolated villages make access difficult, a remarkable measles-rubella vaccination campaign succeeded in reaching even the most remote communities. In Qacha’s Nek and Mokhotlong Districts, Village Health Workers, local chiefs, and parents worked together to ensure that distance and rugged terrain did not stand between children and life-saving vaccines.
In Qacha’s Nek, Village Health Worker Manthatisi Mahlomola moved from home to home, speaking with families and guiding them to vaccination sites. As a trusted community member, her voice carried weight, helping parents understand the importance of immunization. Local chiefs strengthened these efforts by offering their homes as vaccination points, while digital tools like the Open Data Kit improved data collection and enabled health teams to monitor progress in real time.
In Mokhotlong District, Ministry of Health teams and WHO officers engaged directly with families who were initially hesitant to vaccinate their children. Through clear and patient communication, misconceptions were addressed, and parents agreed to protect their children. For many families, the campaign brought a sense of relief, knowing their children were safeguarded against measles and rubella.
The challenges intensified in Mapholaneng, where families walked long distances along steep mountain paths to reach vaccination sites. At Praise Pre-school in Matamong Village, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation as children lined up for their turn. Public Health Nurse Ramotse Khoane emphasized that no terrain would prevent the delivery of essential vaccines, and the steady turnout of families proved this true.
For parents, the effort was both emotional and purposeful. Many, like ’Masechaba Nthunya, walked for over an hour with their children, driven by the desire to keep them healthy. Their determination reflected the strong community spirit that defined the campaign.
Across both districts, the success of the MR campaign rested on deep community engagement. Village Health Workers formed the vital link between households and health services, chiefs helped mobilize families, and parents undertook challenging journeys to ensure their children were protected. Held from October 20 to 24 and supported by the Ministry of Health, GAVI, WHO, UNICEF, and other partners, the campaign demonstrated how combined efforts can overcome even the toughest geographical barriers.
