CAPACITY BUILDING

Capacity building in Lesotho for haemophilia care focuses on strengthening healthcare systems through collaborations between the Haemophilia Association of Lesotho (HAL) and other stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health (MoH), the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH), National Drug Services Organization (NDSO), South African Haemophilia Foundation (SAHF) and Haemophilia Association of Mauritius (HAM). This enhances the skills of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and lab technicians, while improving clinical and diagnostic capabilities. Programs like Haemophilia Youth of Africa (HYA) and SURO empower youth living with haemophilia through education, advocacy, and self-management support. These initiatives aim to improve care, foster sustainability, and create a stronger foundation for haemophilia treatment in Lesotho.

MORE ABOUT CAPACITY BUILDING

The Haemophilia Youth of Africa (HYA) Leadership Program is a vital initiative that supports the development of young leaders within the hemophilia community across Africa. For our association in Lesotho, this program provides an important opportunity to equip our youth with the skills and knowledge needed to advocate for better hemophilia care and drive progress in the region. We are proud to announce that our youth member, Rets'elisitsoe Mahlaha, recently participated in this impactful leadership training. His involvement in the HYA program is a significant step forward for our association, as he will bring back valuable insights, leadership skills, and new perspectives that will help advance our efforts to improve hemophilia care and support for individuals in Lesotho.

SURO is an esteemed international leadership and advocacy program designed to develop young adults in the bleeding disorders community, equipping them with the skills and tools necessary to advocate for better care and services in their local communities. The program aims to empower participants to become active leaders and advocates who can drive positive change in healthcare systems worldwide. We are pleased to announce that Ramolibeli Mohlaoli, a dedicated member of the Haemophilia Association of Lesotho, was selected to participate in this valuable program. His involvement in SURO provided him with critical leadership training, global networking opportunities, and a deeper understanding of advocacy strategies. This experience will be invaluable as Ramolibeli applies his newfound knowledge to support and strengthen hemophilia care in Lesotho. His participation not only enhances his personal leadership skills but also strengthens our association’s efforts to improve awareness, access to treatment, and overall care for individuals living with bleeding disorders in Lesotho.

Tumelo initially had no prior knowledge of the activities or operations of the Haemophilia Association of Lesotho (HAL), but through his active involvement in the association's initiatives, he has gained valuable experience, confidence, and leadership skills. His engagement with various projects and programs has not only deepened his understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with hemophilia but has also equipped him with the necessary skills to support the continued growth and sustainability of the association. Tumelo’s hands-on experience in the day-to-day activities of HAL has been instrumental in building his capacity to take on a more significant leadership role within the organization. His growing expertise and leadership abilities will be crucial in ensuring the association’s ongoing success and preventing its potential decline. Tumelo’s dedication and commitment are essential in helping HAL maintain its focus on improving care and support for individuals with hemophilia in Lesotho.

I am proud to share the success of our Haemophilia Marathon, which we organized in the wake of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the hurdles, through dedicated teamwork and learning from our experiences, we were able to make a significant and positive impact. The support we received from individuals, partners, and the community was truly inspiring, underscoring the strength that comes from collective effort and collaboration. Our partnership with HAL has been a cornerstone of this success. Together, we have been able to raise awareness and provide crucial support to individuals living with haemophilia. This journey has reinforced the importance of hard work, perseverance, and community engagement in achieving meaningful results. As we continue on this path, we remain deeply committed to our mission of supporting those affected by haemophilia. The Haemophilia Marathon is a testament to what can be accomplished when we come together, and we are excited to continue building on this momentum to make a lasting difference.

One of the standout moments at the recent World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) Congress was the opportunity to connect with our valued project partners. This event served as an important platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange, further strengthening our shared commitment to improving the lives of individuals affected by haemophilia. I attended the congress, the participation played a key role in facilitating engaging discussions and advancing our mutual goals. The meetings offered a chance to explore new opportunities, address current challenges, and align on future strategies to ensure continued progress in the haemophilia community. This experience underscored the critical importance of strong partnerships in driving meaningful change. We are excited about the potential outcomes of these collaborations and look forward to building on this momentum to raise awareness, enhance support services, and make a lasting impact on the lives of those living with haemophilia.

ADITIONAL CAPACITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES

HCPs training

The Haemophilia Association of Lesotho (HAL) conducted a Step-down Training for Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) to enhance the skills and knowledge of HCPs involved in hemophilia care. This training focused on advanced treatment protocols, best practices for patient management, and the importance of patient education and support. By equipping doctors, nurses, and laboratory staff with the latest insights and tools, HAL aims to improve the quality of care for individuals with hemophilia in Lesotho and strengthen the local healthcare system.

TWINNING

Under the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) HAL-HAM Twinning Program, representatives from the Haemophilia Association of Mauritius (HAM) visited Lesotho to engage in discussions on the ongoing collaboration between the two associations. The visit focused on reviewing the progress achieved through their partnership and identifying future activities that will maximize the impact of the program. This engagement serves as a guide for both associations as they continue to strengthen their efforts in improving the lives of individuals with hemophilia. The collaboration allows for the exchange of knowledge and resources, fosters mutual learning, and enhances the capacity of both organizations to provide better care, support, and advocacy for those affected by the condition. Through shared expertise and combined efforts, the two associations are working towards a more sustainable and effective hemophilia care network, both locally and regionally.

Bloemfontein training

The Haemophilia Association of Lesotho (HAL) hosted a crucial healthcare professional (HCP) training in Bloemfontein, focusing on improving the diagnosis and management of hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. The training equipped local medical teams with the necessary skills to deliver high-quality care, ensuring better patient outcomes through more accurate diagnoses, timely treatments, and effective management of complications. In addition, HAL's ongoing collaboration with the Medical and Scientific Advisory Council (MASAC) has been instrumental in shaping these training programs. MASAC provides expert guidance on best practices and treatment protocols, ensuring that healthcare professionals in Lesotho are aligned with international standards. This partnership enhances local capacity by ensuring that training is grounded in the latest scientific research and clinical guidelines. The combined efforts of HAL and MASAC contribute to sustainable, improved care for people with hemophilia in Lesotho, reducing the country's reliance on external support while strengthening the healthcare system over the long term.

HAL Youth Camp

We are excited to share highlights from the Haemophilia Association of Lesotho (HAL) Youth Council strategic planning session. Our passionate and dedicated youth leaders came together to discuss critical issues such as advocacy, leadership, and self-patient care, with a strong focus on capacity building. The session empowered the youth to take an active role in shaping the future of hemophilia care in Lesotho, focusing on equipping them with the skills and knowledge to advocate for better healthcare, support fellow patients, and lead community initiatives. Through these efforts, the HAL Youth Council aims to strengthen local capacity, ensuring a sustainable and impactful future for the hemophilia community. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to develop local expertise and leadership, ensuring that future generations of patients and healthcare professionals in Lesotho are well-supported and well-equipped. This achievement was made possible with the invaluable support of Haemophilia Youth of Africa (HYA) and the World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH).