Transforming health and equality in Mokhotlong’s highlands
LIAPENG RALIENGOANE
MOKHOTLONG – Far from the spotlight, in the remote mountain villages of the Mokhotlong district, a quiet revolution is underway. Men are stepping into powerful new roles: champions of change, advocates for equality, and dedicated protectors of their families’ well-being. This transformation centres on their growing engagement with healthcare, particularly sexual and reproductive health services.
For generations, men in Mokhotlong were often reluctant to seek health care. Cultural expectations, long queues, and discomfort discussing private issues – especially with female healthcare workers – kept them away from clinics. Vital services often went unused, impacting not just individual men, but the health of entire families and communities.
Today, this is changing. A dedicated effort to engage men respectfully, inform them effectively, and create genuinely inclusive spaces is making a profound difference. At the heart of this shift is the male-friendly clinic at Mokhotlong Hospital.
Staffed by trained nurses like Potsane Lirahalibonoe, the clinic provides a welcoming and confidential environment tailored to men’s needs. Nurse Lirahalibonoe’s passion is evident as he describes the growing number of men now walking through the clinic doors.
“We meet them where they are,” he explains.
“We build trust, answer questions without judgment, and show them how taking charge of their health strengthens their families. Seeing men become proactive, ask about contraception, get tested, and support their partners – that’s the real change.
They come back, they trust us and they begin to take responsibility not only for their own health, but also for the wellbeing of their partners and families.”
This initiative is more than just improving clinic attendance, it’s reshaping social norms. Men empowered with knowledge are becoming advocates within their households and communities, challenging outdated stereotypes and promoting shared responsibility for health.
The male-friendly clinic in Mokhotlong is proving that when barriers are removed and men are engaged as partners, entire communities thrive.
According to Lirahalibonoe, the number of men visiting the clinic is increasing by 10 percent each year, a promising trend in a district where health-seeking behaviour among men has historically been low.
“They now feel comfortable with us and feel safe,” he adds.
But it wasn’t always like this. According to Nurse Midwife and District Health Management Team (DHMT)member, Refuoe Sehlare, early attempts to reach men highlighted key barriers.
“Through community dialogues, men told us they didn’t feel comfortable receiving services from women. They also complained about long queues and lack of privacy,” she says. “So, before the male clinic was opened, we trained male nurses to address these concerns. Since then, we have seen a shift. Men are now accompanying their wives to clinics and many are referred by other men in their communities.”
The initiative is part of the broader 2gether4SRHR programme, a regional effort supported by UN agencies to improve access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all, including men and boys.
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the DHMT and a facilitator in the male engagement training, Joele Tumo, said the sessions are about much more than just health, they are about redefining masculinity.
“Through the training, we emphasize that being a real man means supporting your pregnant partner, understanding the impact of gender-based violence (GBV) and becoming a champion for your community,” he adds.
“We talk about how GBV affects not only women but the nation’s economy and social fabric.”
His words are grounded in troubling statistics. The Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey reveals that GBV is alarmingly high in Mokhotlong, with 45 percent of women aged 15–49 who have ever been in a relationship reporting emotional, physical or sexual abuse, placing the district second only to Thaba-Tseka.
For this reason, male engagement is not only progressive, it is essential.
Speaking at a recent community meeting at Bafali village, Tumo appealed to men to be proactive.
“There are illnesses related to sexual activity that can affect your family. It’s important to visit the clinic, don’t wait until it’s too late,” he urged. “My dream is a Lesotho free of GBV, where men support and accompany their women to health services.”
This message is beginning to resonate.
Chief Tšeiso Phakisi of Bafali takes pride in his role as a community leader and protector of his people’s well-being.
“SRHR issues in the family often start with the husband,” he says. “We used to have many GBV cases around Christmas and Easter. But after the Ministry of Health’s visit and the discussions we held with men, we had no GBV reports during the last Easter holiday.”
Another traditional leader, Chief Seabelo Phakisi, also trained under the programme, says the way he addresses GBV has changed.
“I no longer just send victims to the police. I listen, advise and I try to resolve where possible. My dream is to see every man take these issues seriously and speak in one voice against GBV.”
Yet the battle is far from over.
Nurse Lirahalibonoe expresses concern over a spike in new HIV infections, with up to eight new cases reported weekly, compared to just one previously. The data underscores the urgent need for continued outreach and education.
“Our areas are remote and women often give birth at home, far from help,” says male engagement facilitator Tumo. “But if men accompany their partners, if they support them, maternal deaths, which remain high at 530 per 100 000 live births, can be reduced.”
What is happening in Mokhotlong is more than a health intervention, it is a cultural shift. One that challenges harmful norms, empowers families, and offers a vision of a more just, healthy, and compassionate Lesotho.
Tumo reflects: “Ultimately, society will change, because we are starting where it matters most: with the men, in the villages, with knowledge, dignity and hope.”
