Ntsoaki Motaung
The Ministry of Health officially sensitised Basotho about the BonoloMeds initiative.
BonoloMeds program is a Decentralized Drug Distribution (DDD) model, implemented by Right to Care Lesotho (RTCL), aimed at supporting the Ministry of Health in providing Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and medicines for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
The program is funded by the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a U.S. government initiative to combat the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, and by USAID, an independent U.S. agency responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance.
BonoloMeds is operational in three districts: Maseru, Mafeteng, and Mohale’s Hoek.
Its objectives are to decongest health facilities, improve access to medicines, enhance patient adherence, and boost overall healthcare outcomes for individuals on chronic medication.
BonoloMeds leverages technological advancements to improve access to medications through innovations such as automated drug dispensing machines (eLockers) and partnerships with private pharmacies.
These solutions enable people living with chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and those requiring HIV treatment or prevention (PrEP) to conveniently obtain their medications.
Speaking at the launch event, Minister of Health Selibe Mochoboroane highlighted how BonoloMeds simplifies the ministry’s work, particularly in drug distribution.
Mochoboroane said: “The program’s aim is to attain and maintain epidemic control by decentralising drug delivery through the implementation of BonoloMeds.”
Mochoboroane also described the initiative as a long-awaited milestone, marking significant progress toward improving access to essential medicines. He emphasised that BonoloMeds not only enhances healthcare outcomes but also contributes to epidemic control by incorporating innovative technology in Lesotho.
“The importance of the program is that it alleviates congestion at health facilities, which are often overwhelmed by patients seeking long-term medication. It also helps the Ministry and its partners meet the targets set in the fight against HIV and other opportunistic diseases by ensuring easy access to medication,” he added.
Mochoboroane highlighted that the BonoloMeds program will also benefit Basotho working in other countries, as they will be able to receive six months’ worth of medication at once, eliminating the need for monthly refills.
He added that patients will only need to visit health facilities for scheduled check-ups.
Tšelisehang Motuba from Right to Care noted that BonoloMeds is a free service for chronically stable patients who qualify and can be enrolled at participating health facilities in the three operational districts.
Motuba explained that the program’s primary goal is to reduce overcrowding and ease the burden on health facilities, which often face challenges when patients come to collect their lifetime medication.
She encouraged patients with chronic illnesses, especially those in Maseru, Mafeteng, and Mohale’s Hoek, to take advantage of the program.
She urged Basotho to use BonoloMeds to conveniently and easily access their medications, without the need to travel to health facilities and wait in long queues.
