By Lerato Matheka
Lesotho’s commitment to combating global malnutrition has taken a significant step forward as His Excellency Thesele Maseribane, Lesotho’s Ambassador to Italy, accepted the co-chairmanship of the Rome-Based Agencies’ (RBA) Group of Friends of Nutrition.
This prestigious position, shared with Switzerland, marks a critical moment for Lesotho as it positions itself as a global leader in nutrition advocacy.
Speaking to a distinguished audience that included Directors of the RBA, ambassadors, and representatives from member states, Maseribane expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to lead alongside Switzerland.
He extended special thanks to the United Kingdom and the United States, whose previous leadership laid the foundation for addressing global nutrition challenges.
“Nutrition is more than just a health issue; it is a matter of dignity, equity, and justice for every child. Our King, His Majesty King Letsie III, has consistently demonstrated Lesotho’s dedication to this cause through his role as the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s Goodwill Ambassador for Nutrition.”
King Letsie III’s tireless advocacy has been instrumental in Lesotho’s national approach to improving nutrition, Maseribane remarked.
“His Majesty’s work reflects our national dedication to ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the nutrition they need to thrive.”
He acknowledged the invaluable leadership of the United Kingdom and the United States, who previously held the co-chairmanship.
“I extend our heartfelt gratitude to our predecessors, the United Kingdom and the United States, for their exemplary leadership. Their commitment to advancing this critical agenda has laid a strong foundation for us to build upon with renewed vigour and resolve.”
As Lesotho and Switzerland embark on their co-chairmanship, the ambassador outlined the Group of Friends of Nutrition’s key strategies to address global malnutrition.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration between governments, the private sector, and civil society to create lasting solutions.
“Without adequate nutrition, children’s potential is stunted, and their development is compromised. This affects not just individual lives but the entire fabric of our nations. To address these challenges, we must engage our governments at all levels to commit to tangible actions that will improve access to nutritious food for children.”
Lesotho’s co-chairmanship will focus on fostering collaboration among RBA member states to promote sustainable and inclusive nutrition policies.
Maseribane outlined several key strategies that will guide the Group of Friends of Nutrition during Lesotho’s tenure:
Government Engagement and Policy Support, Strengthening Agriculture Systems, Advicacy for Nutrition school meals, Public-Private Partnerships, Data-Drven monitoring and Accountability.
He emphasised the importance of integrating nutrition into public health and education policies citing, to create a framework that ensures access to affordable and nutritious food for every child, governments need to prioritise nutrition in their national agendas.
Recognising the critical role of agriculture in achieving nutritional outcomes, Maseribane underscored the need for sustainable farming practices. Highlighting the importance of empowering smallholder farmers, particularly women, to cultivate diverse crops and help communities build resilience and improve dietary diversity.
The ambassador noted the dual role of school meal programs play in combating malnutrition and obesity. He called for the implementation of nutritional standards in schools pointing out that every child deserves the foundation for both learning and health.
The Broader Context: Nutrition in Crisis
Globally, malnutrition remains a significant challenge. According to recent reports, between 713 and 757 million people faced hunger in 2023, while 2.8 billion people could not afford a healthy diet in 2022.
Among children under five, 148.1 million were stunted, 45 million were wasted, and 37 million were overweight.
These alarming statistics highlight the urgency of addressing malnutrition, not only to save lives but also to break intergenerational cycles of poverty. Studies show that every dollar invested in nutrition yields a return of $23, underscoring its role in fostering sustainable development.
Lesotho’s National Commitment
Lesotho’s leadership in the Group of Friends of Nutrition aligns with its national strategies to combat food insecurity. His Majesty King Letsie III has been a vocal advocate for nutrition, both locally and globally. Under his guidance, Lesotho has implemented programs aimed at improving food diversity, enhancing agricultural practices, and strengthening school meal initiatives.
The Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition, Thabo Mofosi, reiterated the government’s commitment to these efforts. “Through initiatives like the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and the Wool and Mohair Value-chain Competitiveness Project, we are addressing both the agricultural and nutritional needs of our people,” Mofosi said.
Towards a Sustainable Future
The RBA’s Group of Friends of Nutrition is set to play a pivotal role in achieving global nutrition targets. By fostering cross-agency collaboration and promoting innovative solutions, the group aims to create a world where no child suffers from malnutrition.
“Lesotho’s co-chairmanship is a testament to our nation’s dedication to this cause, and together with Switzerland and the broader RBA community, we will work tirelessly to ensure every child has access to the nutrition they need to thrive.” Maseribane said.
As the Group of Friends of Nutrition embarks on its new chapter under Lesotho and Switzerland’s leadership, the vision is clear: a world where nutrition is not a privilege but a fundamental right for all.
