People’s Matrix scoops Community Award in Kenya

BOKANG MOSHOESHOE

MASERU – The People’s Matrix Association was recognized with a prestigious Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) Award during the 2025 African CLM Convening held in Kenya two weeks ago.

The award was presented by Positive Vibes through the Living the DREAM Project a continental initiative that champions Dignity, Rights, Equity, Accountability, and Monitoring in health and human rights programming across Africa.

This award celebrates The People’s Matrix Association’s dedication to advancing accountability and service quality through community-driven initiatives that amplify the voices of key populations (KPs) and LGBTIQ+ persons in Lesotho.

Through innovative platforms like ma’Box, Matrix collects real-time health service feedback and documents human rights violations, ensuring that communities are at the centre of monitoring and influencing change in the health system.

“This award is a reflection of the power of community leadership. It demonstrates that when communities are empowered to speak, monitor, and act, real transformation happens,” said Tampose Mothopeng, Executive Director of The People’s Matrix Association.

At a time when international funding for HIV programmes is declining, and yet the country still faces high rates of new infections and systemic barriers to care, the role of sustainable, community-led responses has never been more critical. Community-driven models like those implemented by Matrix are not only cost-effective, they are deeply rooted in lived realities, ensuring that no one is left behind as resources shift.

The success of Matrix’s approach is due in large part to the strong partnerships it has built across sectors. The organization expresses deep gratitude to the local health facilities that have embraced collaboration and allowed Matrix to support efforts to improve the quality, accessibility, and equity of services. Their openness has been instrumental in promoting people-centred healthcare in Lesotho.

We also acknowledge the stakeholders and partners who have walked this journey with us – those who believe in the power of community and continue to support our mission. Your trust, contributions, and solidarity have been key to our continued impact.

The African CLM Convening brought together community-led organizations, donors, and technical partners to share learning and strengthen the regional CLM movement. Receiving the Living the DREAM Award reaffirms The People’s Matrix Association’s commitment to innovation, inclusion, and sustainability in Lesotho’s HIV and human rights response.

According to Mothopeng, the Matrix remains steadfast in its vision of a just and inclusive society where dignity, health, and human rights are upheld for all.