Lesotho will join the global community in celebrating World Population Day on July 11, 2026, with special events planned in Mohale’s Hoek under the theme “Realising the hopes and aspirations of young people, today and for the future.”
The annual observance, which focuses on population and development issues, this year draws on findings from the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) Demographic Futures Survey, which polled young people from 73 countries about their dreams and challenges.
The survey found that while many young people aspire to have families and build good futures, they face significant obstacles including unemployment, economic hardship, and limited access to health services.
‘Maseretse Ratiea, UNFPA’s National Program Analyst for Adolescents and Young People, explained why Mohale’s Hoek was chosen for the celebration.
“We are here in Mohale’s Hoek to celebrate World Population Day together with government ministries and partners. We are talking to the youth about this year’s theme and what it means for their lives. Our discussions are about sexual and reproductive health and rights, making informed decisions, and avoiding problems like early and unintended pregnancy, gender-based violence, and drug and alcohol abuse.”
Ratiea said the goal is to give young people information so they can realise their hopes and dreams. “We want them to understand how today’s choices affect their futures, like how getting pregnant at a young age can change their lives and goals.”
Young people from Mohale’s Hoek shared their experiences. Matšeliso Senqu, 19, from Qalakheng said: “As youth, we face many challenges, but there are not many places where we can talk about them. Many young people drop out of school and then start abusing alcohol and drugs. There are many liquor stores in our villages, and it’s easy to be influenced by friends to start drinking.”
Keabetsoe Ralienyane, 18, took part in a two-day workshop for youth. She said, “We talked about the challenges we face, like unemployment. Not everyone could attend, but it’s important that those who did can share what they learned with others in their villages.”
‘Mampho Makharilele, District Youth Development Officer for the Ministry of Gender Youth and Social Development, said the workshop was held because youth unemployment is a big problem. “When young people cannot go to school or start their own businesses, they become miserable. This leads to more cases of early pregnancy and, sometimes, unsafe abortions,” she explained.
A major part of the commemoration will be the official handover of special medical equipment to Ntšekhe Hospital in Mohale’s Hoek. These tools will help doctors and nurses measure blood loss during childbirth, detect problems early, and save lives. UNFPA’s support shows their commitment to making childbirth safer for women in Lesotho.
Ratia said World Population Day in Lesotho is an important time to listen to young people, support their dreams, and work together to solve the problems they face. By investing in youth, Lesotho can build a stronger and better future for everyone.
Summary
- Lesotho will join the global community in celebrating World Population Day on July 11, 2026, with special events planned in Mohale’s Hoek under the theme “Realising the hopes and aspirations of young people, today and for the future.
- The annual observance, which focuses on population and development issues, this year draws on findings from the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) Demographic Futures Survey, which polled young people from 73 countries about their dreams and challenges.
- Ratia said World Population Day in Lesotho is an important time to listen to young people, support their dreams, and work together to solve the problems they face.
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.
