Lesotho is grappling with a growing drug and substance abuse crisis, prompting urgent calls from health experts for immediate action and better resourced rehabilitation services.
Dr Thabo Mokhothu, Acting Director of Mental Health at the Ministry of Health, warned that the country has reached a critical stage in the fight against drug addiction. He was speaking at an event to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26.
A major challenge, according to Dr Mokhothu, is the closure of the Blue Cross Rehabilitation Centre, which has left Mohlomi Hospital as the primary public facility for treating addiction. However, the hospital is severely overstretched and lacks sufficient trained specialists to cope with the rising demand.
While the government plans to construct a new rehabilitation centre, Dr Mokhothu emphasised the need to urgently strengthen services at Mohlomi Hospital by recruiting more skilled personnel. In the absence of adequate state-run facilities, several private organisations have established their own rehabilitation centres.
To ensure quality care, the Ministry of Health has developed guidelines for these private providers.
Despite the difficulties, Dr Mokhothu expressed optimism, noting that several new proposals are in the pipeline to improve rehabilitation services nationwide. He called for a shift in approach: “Addiction should not be treated only as a crime, but as a health problem that requires support, treatment, and recovery,” he said.
“Addiction is a call to rebuild and restore the nation.”
Other speakers at the event echoed the need for collective action. Mphonyane Mofokeng of the Anti-Drug Abuse Association of Lesotho (ADAAL) stressed that drug addiction affects society as a whole and urged stronger collaboration between government, civil society, and communities. She highlighted Parliament’s role in coordinating efforts and plans to involve local leaders in rehabilitation initiatives.
Pontšo Tumisi, Public Relations Officer for Mokhosi oa ‘Má Ngoana, raised concerns about rising drug abuse in areas such as Khubetsoana and Ha Matala, describing the latter as a hotspot for drug abuse, sex trafficking, and other crimes. Her organisation is working with police and partners to protect vulnerable residents.
Lance Sergeant Tšepo Manosa of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service said police are engaging communities in the fight against drugs but are sometimes hampered by a lack of timely information. He identified dagga (marijuana) as the most commonly abused substance, followed by cocaine and crystal methamphetamine.
This year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking emphasised treating drug addiction as a public health issue rather than solely a criminal justice matter. The campaign also highlighted the links between drug abuse, organised crime, and social instability, and called on governments and communities to strengthen prevention and rehabilitation efforts.
Summary
- Dr Thabo Mokhothu, Acting Director of Mental Health at the Ministry of Health, warned that the country has reached a critical stage in the fight against drug addiction.
- A major challenge, according to Dr Mokhothu, is the closure of the Blue Cross Rehabilitation Centre, which has left Mohlomi Hospital as the primary public facility for treating addiction.
- Pontšo Tumisi, Public Relations Officer for Mokhosi oa ‘Má Ngoana, raised concerns about rising drug abuse in areas such as Khubetsoana and Ha Matala, describing the latter as a hotspot for drug abuse, sex trafficking, and other crimes.
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.
