His Majesty King Letsie III, the African Union’s Nutrition Champion and FAO Special Goodwill Ambassador for Nutrition, has issued a strong call to men across Lesotho: “step up and take an active role in nutrition initiatives to secure better health and stronger livelihoods for families and communities”.
Speaking at a recent nutrition clubs exhibition in Ha Lejone, Leribe district, His Majesty expressed deep concern over the lack of male participation in nutrition programs.
“From my visits across the country, I have seen that men are absent in these initiatives. This must change. The responsibility of ensuring good nutrition does not rest solely on women. Men must stand with them and actively engage in projects such as piggery, poultry, and vegetable farming, which are crucial for household nutrition,” he urged.
Upon his arrival in Ha Lejone, the King visited several families involved in nutrition programs. He commended the extension officers for their unwavering dedication in supporting these families, emphasising that their work is crucial to improving livelihoods.
One of the families he met was led by a young woman who is a member of a local nutrition club. Her testimony struck a chord with His Majesty.
“She told me that despite facing early pregnancy, she ensured her child was born healthy through good nutrition practices. This is a powerful lesson: proper nutrition must begin even before birth.”
“Her story is proof that young people have the power to break cycles of malnutrition and give the next generation a better start,” the King said.
He highlighted the alarming reality that too many children in Africa are born underweight due to poor maternal nutrition.
“This should not be our reality. Men, we must act now to ensure that our families are well-nourished and thriving,” he challenged.
The King also revealed that he is actively engaging both international and local business leaders to invest in nutrition initiatives for Basotho.
“How can businesses operate in a community that is weak from hunger? We need sustainable investments in nutrition to build a stronger and more resilient nation,” he declared.
Since 2014, King Letsie III has served as the African Union’s Nutrition Champion, tirelessly advocating for improved nutrition across the continent. He reminded Basotho that his role is not just symbolic—it comes with a duty to lead by example.
“When Prime Minister Matekane formed his cabinet, I urged him to include nutrition in the Ministry of Agriculture. He listened, and today we are seeing positive steps forward. But we must do more. We must act with urgency,” he charged.
Speaking on behalf of local nutrition clubs, Mateboho Leroma stressed the vital role that extension officers play in educating communities about nutritious food production and preservation.
“Our families are now eating nutritious meals every day, and we refuse to go back to poor eating habits,” she declared.
The government, in collaboration with international organisations, is intensifying efforts to combat malnutrition. Among these partners is World Vision International, a global humanitarian organization focused on tackling child malnutrition.
James Chifwelu, National Director of World Vision Lesotho, presented sobering statistics:
- 6% of children under five in Lesotho are stunted.
- 13% are underweight.
- 2% are wasted (dangerously thin for their height).
“These numbers are unacceptable! We must act now to ensure that no child in Lesotho suffers from malnutrition,” Chifwelu emphasised.
He added, “We are working alongside the Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders to turn the tide.”
