Lesotho has validated its National Mental Health Policy, marking a significant step towards strengthening mental healthcare and improving access to mental health services across the country.
The policy was validated on 20 May 2026 and highlighted during the East and Southern Africa Intercountry Meeting on mental health, organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa with support from the Wellcome Trust in Johannesburg from 26–29 May.
“The validation of the National Mental Health Policy marks meaningful progress in our journey to strengthen mental healthcare and ensure services are more accessible, inclusive, and effective. The policy provides a critical framework for transforming mental health services and addressing longstanding gaps in prevention, treatment, and support,” said Dr. Thabo Mokhothu, Acting Director of the Mental Health Programme at Lesotho’s Ministry of Health.
The regional meeting brought together countries from East and Southern Africa to share best practices and accelerate mental health reforms. Discussions focused on strengthening evidence-based policies, expanding access to quality care, building a skilled mental health workforce, improving financing, and enhancing data collection and monitoring systems.
Participants also explored strategies to integrate mental health into primary healthcare and promote community-based, people-centred care, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
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Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Chido Rwafa, Head of the Mental Health Programme at the WHO Regional Office for Africa, called on countries to accelerate progress towards the 2030 African Region Mental Health targets, including strengthening national mental health policies, increasing financing, integrating mental health into primary healthcare, and improving reporting through health information systems.
Lesotho’s new policy reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening mental healthcare and supporting broader regional efforts to improve mental health services across Africa.
