Johannesburg, 15 March 2004

We don't call it an emergency; we call it a
humanitarian crisis, because what is happening
is a convergence of factors.

The tiny mountain kingdom of Lesotho is struggling to cope with a series of deep, interlinked crises that are testing the capacity of the government and humanitarian community. The most obvious challenge is the country's food crisis; more than a quarter of its 2.2 million people are in need of food aid.

Full Abstract

Johannesburg, 18 February 2004

Lesotho is suffering from a crisis that poses problems for government and the humanitarian community.

The drought and meagre harvests affecting countries across the southern African region has resulted in a severe food shortage in the tiny mountain kingdom of Lesotho, a situation that is exacerbated by AIDS and poverty.

Full Abstract

Dry Conditions

Johannesburg, 24 October 2003

Lesotho is facing a more severe drought than
originally anticipated.

The Lesotho Meteorological Services (LMS) reported that the country is facing a severe drought, affecting various sectors, including agriculture and leading to a shortage of drinking water.

Full Abstract

Johannesburg, 07 November 2003

Thousands could be in need of food aid as the drought continues to hamper agricultural activities in Lesotho.

Ongoing drought will have a ‘dramatic impact’ on the humanitarian situation in Lesotho and the World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that between 600 000 and 700 000 people could be in need of food aid in the coming months.

Full Abstract

Johannesburg, 11 July 2003

Maseru Declaration endorses an integrated regional policy and strategy to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS.

The Maseru Declaration on HIV and AIDS in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region identifies priority areas for the fight against the pandemic. The plan will be implemented through the “multi-sectoral strategic interventions” contained in the new SADC HIV and AIDS strategic framework 2003-2007.

Full Abstract

Johannesburg, 09 April 2003

The development authority delivers a trauma unit to
the government as it faces an inquiry into
compensation payments.

The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) recently handed over an
ultra modern trauma unit to the government that should help to ease the
pressure on hospitals.

Full Abstract

Johannesburg, 02 April 2003

Resettled communities complain of failure to deliver compensation.

Communities that had to resettle in the lowlands to make way for the multi-billion dollar Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) have complained about the Lesotho Highland’s Development Authority’s (LHDA) failure to deliver promised compensation.

Full Abstract

Johannesburg, 19 March 2003

Lesotho faces widespread food shortages and
high HIV/AIDS infection rates.

A deadly combination of widespread food shortages and the fourth highest rate of HIV/AIDS infection in the world; spells untold suffering for hundreds of thousands of people, especially women and children, in Lesotho for the foreseeable future.

Full Abstract