What You Need to Know
The Ministry of Health in Lesotho has launched a Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) Training in Maseru. The initiative aims to strengthen the country’s response to health emergencies by institutionalizing PHEM within the national health system. The five-day training, supported by various health organizations, focuses on governance, policy alignment, and operational management of emergency.
Africa-Press – Lesotho. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Mrs. ‘Maneo Ntene, on behalf of the Minister of Health, officially opened the Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) Training held in Maseru.
Speaking during the opening session, Mrs. Ntene highlighted the importance of strengthening systems that enable the country to respond effectively to disease outbreaks and other public health threats.
She noted that institutionalizing Public Health Emergency Management within the national health system will enhance coordination, improve decision-making, and ensure timely responses during emergencies.
The objective of the training is to introduce and institutionalize Public Health Emergency Management within the national health system of Lesotho through executive-level strategic orientation on PHEM governance and policy alignment, as well as technical-level operational training on the operations and management of the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC).
The training also plays an important role in creating a multidisciplinary workforce with the capacity, resilience, and ability to effectively respond to public health emergencies and address challenges that may arise during such situations.
The five-day training, which runs from 16–20 March 2026, is organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and aims to strengthen Lesotho’s preparedness and response to public health emergencies.
Key partners supporting the initiative include the World Health Organization, UNICEF, U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Disaster Management Authority, as well as other stakeholders working in health security and emergency preparedness.
Lesotho has faced numerous public health challenges, necessitating a robust response system. The establishment of a Public Health Emergency Management framework is crucial for enhancing the country’s ability to manage disease outbreaks and health threats effectively. This training initiative is part of a broader strategy to build a resilient health system capable of addressing emergencies and improving overall health security in the nation. By collaborating with international health organizations, Lesotho aims to align its emergency management practices with global standards and best practices.
