CHAL launches CSO immunisation network

The Christian Health Association of Lesotho (CHAL) has officially launched the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Network in Immunisation.

The landmark launch comes on the heels of new data showing that thousands of vulnerable children are successfully being tracked down and vaccinated against preventable diseases through community-led efforts.

According to data shared during the launch event, a recent capacity-building pilot initiative successfully identified 7,773 children across five districts who had defaulted on their routine vaccines.

Out of these, local community teams managed to trace 6,368 children and ensured that 2,959 received their vital shots. Furthermore, the initiative uncovered 758 “zero-dose” children—those who had never received a single vaccine in their lives.

Teams tracked down 525 of these children and successfully vaccinated 245 of them. Network representatives noted that the actual number of vaccinated children is likely higher, as many families went to closer neighbouring clinics once reminded, meaning their records were captured by other facilities.

These figures highlight a critical gap in the health system. While Lesotho has made significant strides, achieving routine immunisation coverage rates of 87 percent for the DPT-3 vaccine, 90 percent for measles, and 93 percent for the HPV vaccine, health advocates warned that severe challenges remain.

Drug stockouts, deep-seated vaccine hesitancy, and shifting international funding landscapes mean that grassroots action is more urgent than ever to protect the children who are still falling through the cracks.

Speaking at the launch, CHAL Executive Director ‘Makatleho Mohasi explained that civil society groups are uniquely positioned to reach the country’s most isolated areas. Mohasi noted that these organisations play a vital role in building trust where families are hesitant and ensuring that no child is left behind.

She emphasised that the new network will allow 26 local civil society organisations to share best practices, pool resources, and better align their work with national health priorities to give communities a real voice in health planning.

The event also featured international support and encouragement. Karen Sichali-Sichinga, the Chief Executive Officer of the Churches Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ), traveled to witness the milestone.

In her address, Sichinga praised the initiative, stating that the creation of the network demonstrates exactly what can be achieved when governments, civil society, faith-based institutions, and international development partners work hand in hand.

A representative from the network’s newly elected governing body reminded the audience of the human lives behind the statistics. The speaker noted that these numbers are not merely charts on paper, but represent real children and families who are regaining confidence in the healthcare system.

The speaker closed with a strong call to action, quoting former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan to challenge the audience on how history will judge their response to public health needs, urging everyone to treat immunisation as a fundamental human right.

The newly launched network will be led by a structured governing body of local leaders to ensure transparency, strategic direction, and total accountability moving forward.

Ntsoaki Motaung

Ntsoaki Motaung is an award-winning health journalist from Lesotho, specializing in community health stories with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as HIV. She has contributed to platforms like “Be in the KNOW,” highlighting issues such as the exclusion of people with disabilities from HIV prevention efforts in Lesotho.

In addition to her journalism, Ntsoaki serves as the Country Coordinator for the Regional Media Action Plan Support Network (REMAPSEN). She is also a 2023 CPHIA Journalism Fellow.