For ‘Mampho Letele, the arrival of her newborn was a moment caught between joy and despair. Living in the grip of poverty, she had no money for transport to the hospital, nor even a simple set of clothes for her baby.
Her story is a painful reality for many women in Lesotho, who are forced to make the dangerous decision to give birth at home because they lack the most basic essentials for a safe delivery. But this week, a special kind of help arrived, carrying the warmth of royalty and the spirit of community. Thanks to the generosity of Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso and her partners, hope was delivered along with the essentials.
The birth of a child is universally a moment of profound happiness, a dream that couples cherish. Yet, for families like Letele’s, this dream is often shadowed by fear and hardship. When her labour began, she was faced with impossible choices. Without funds for transport and without baby clothes, she delivered her child at home.
“I gave birth at home because I had no money to get to the hospital,” Letele explained. “Beyond that, I was worried because I didn’t have anything ready for my baby. I only came to the hospital later so my baby could receive important vaccines and be immunised.”
Letele’s experience is far from unique. Across Lesotho, countless women struggle to access the care and support they need during childbirth. The lack of simple necessities, blankets, clothes, and transport, forces mothers into high-risk home deliveries, endangering both their own lives and the lives of their newborns.
This week, however, as Lesotho celebrated the Golden Jubilee, the 50th birthday of Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso, the Queen chose to commemorate her milestone not with pomp, but with profound purpose. She returned to Maluti Adventist Hospital, the very place where she was born, to celebrate by giving back to the community that first welcomed her.
With the steadfast support of the Shoeshoe ea Moshoeshoe Foundation, UNICEF Lesotho, and World Vision International Lesotho, Her Majesty donated a suite of essential items to mothers and newborns at the hospital. The generous gift included sleeping and welcoming blankets for infants, electric heaters for maternity and pediatric wards, baby clothes, toys, backpacks for mothers and babies, hygiene packs, and even dustbins and garbage bags to help maintain a clean and dignified environment.
Khotso Moletsane, Communications Officer of the Shoeshoe ea Moshoeshoe Foundation, reflected on the significance of the event. “Her Majesty was born at this very hospital in 1976. Returning here for her Golden Jubilee is deeply meaningful for the Queen and for all of us. We wanted to celebrate by giving back to this community, which holds a special place in her heart.”
For Letele, the Queen’s gift is a promise that other women might be spared her own ordeal. “At least now, no woman will have to stay home to give birth because she has no clothes for her baby,” Letele said gratefully. “This will help women not to feel ashamed because they lack what others have. That is often the biggest problem that pushes vulnerable women to give birth at home.”
The celebration at Maluti Adventist Hospital was more than a ceremony; it was a powerful testament to kindness, dignity, and community solidarity. It brought together global partners like UNICEF and World Vision, who work daily to protect children and uplift families in need.
During the event, ‘Mamokobo Lebeko, CEO of Maluti Adventist Hospital, expressed her deep gratitude. “It is a great pleasure to thank everyone who made this commemoration possible, especially as we remember the hospital where Her Majesty was born. We are honoured by the Queen’s visit, and her choice to celebrate her milestone here speaks volumes about the quality of service our hospital provides.”
Lebeko also offered an inspiring message to the nurses and hospital staff. “Sometimes, you do not know who you are serving. Let your work be so good, humble, and kind to everyone, because you may be helping a future queen, prime minister, or even your next CEO. We are all human beings before we are patients.”
She also thanked the organising committee for their dedication and extended appreciation to development partners UNICEF and World Vision for their enduring support.
According to Member of Parliament Mokhothu Makhalanyane, Maluti Adventist Hospital holds a treasured place in Lesotho’s history. Beyond being the birthplace of Her Majesty, the hospital has a long tradition of quality healthcare and community service. Over the years, it has been the site of pivotal events, including hosting the country’s first AIDS conference in 1987.
The hospital’s legacy was echoed by Principal Chief of Koeneng and Mapoteng, Chief Peete Lesaoana Peete, who said: “This area will forever hold a place in history because it is where the Queen was born. I encourage healthcare workers to keep providing quality services, and I wish Her Majesty a happy Golden Jubilee.”
UNICEF’s Chief of Education, Sara Skovgaard, spoke about the lasting importance of quality care for mothers and newborns. “Every life matters, and every child’s first moment should be met with skilled, respectful, and compassionate care,” she said. “UNICEF has supported the Ministry of Health to ensure health workers are trained and equipped to provide professional care.”
She highlighted UNICEF’s work in establishing learning hubs and simulation centres for health workers, as well as supporting emergency care and improving hospital infrastructure. “With these new donations, like bedside screens for privacy and warm blankets, we hope to improve the experience for mothers and newborns at Maluti Adventist Hospital,” Skovgaard added.
In her closing remarks, Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate extended her heartfelt thanks to all who made the celebration a success, including His Majesty King Letsie III for his unwavering support and the hospital staff for their dedication.
She shared that her birthday celebration was never just about personal joy, but about honouring her roots and giving back to the community. “Maluti Adventist Hospital serves people from across the country,” she said. “I am grateful to celebrate my Golden Jubilee here, where my journey started.”
Her Majesty’s actions inspired hope and gratitude among all who attended. The celebration was a poignant reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness, a warm blanket, a set of clothes, a gentle touch, can transform lives, restore dignity, and make an extraordinary difference.
Summary
- Living in the grip of poverty, she had no money for transport to the hospital, nor even a simple set of clothes for her baby.
- Her story is a painful reality for many women in Lesotho, who are forced to make the dangerous decision to give birth at home because they lack the most basic essentials for a safe delivery.
- With the steadfast support of the Shoeshoe ea Moshoeshoe Foundation, UNICEF Lesotho, and World Vision International Lesotho, Her Majesty donated a suite of essential items to mothers and newborns at the hospital.
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.
