Earlier this year, Starlight of Hope Hospice (SOHH), in partnership with Palliative Care Works, a UK-based charity, hosted two impactful week-long training courses in Maseru. A total of 46 participants—including nurses, pharmacists, doctors, social workers, and pastors—took part in interactive sessions designed to strengthen palliative care across Lesotho.
The programme offered more than just clinical knowledge. It prompted professionals to reflect deeply on communication practices, personal experiences with loss, and the local challenges surrounding end-of-life care. Participants also had the rare opportunity to speak directly with individuals facing life-limiting illnesses and collaborate in teams to develop tailored action plans for their workplaces.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, with participants reporting increased confidence and commitment to improving care. SOHH’s CEO, Mme Malichaba Tebello Lepheane, has since taken to national radio and television to advocate for greater awareness and support for palliative care services in Lesotho.
A New Centre of Care on the Horizon
In January, SOHH began construction of a new Day Centre just outside Maseru—an exciting step toward expanding support services for patients and families. However, progress has not been without obstacles. The terrain has posed significant challenges, compounded by heavy rainfall and difficult ground conditions.
Despite these setbacks, the foundations and flooring have been completed, and walls are now being erected. A dedicated multidisciplinary team has generously provided designs, technical drawings, and material specifications free of charge, helping reduce overall costs. Sourcing materials at a fair price and coordinating timely deliveries remain ongoing hurdles.
The team remains optimistic that construction will be completed by the end of September, with the goal of launching services before the year’s end.
Community Support and Partnerships
SOHH has also received encouraging support from partners. A recent donation of clinical equipment from Action Ireland Trust has bolstered preparations for the new Day Centre. Additionally, Toyota Maseru has pledged funding for half the cost of a vehicle, with negotiations underway to secure a second donor to complete the purchase.
Together, these developments reflect growing recognition of the need for compassionate, community-based care for those living with serious illness in Lesotho.
