Children with Disabilities in Lesotho Raise Concerns Over Access to Health and Education

As the world prepares to mark World Children’s Day on 20 November, children with disabilities in Lesotho are raising urgent concerns over continued barriers to education and health services.
The Lesotho National League of the Visually Impaired Persons (LNLVIP) says access to inclusive education remains a major challenge. The organization noted that only a limited number of schools accommodate learners with disabilities, and most lack braille-trained teachers and assistive learning materials, which restricts their right to quality education.
Meanwhile, youth advocate, Mpeo Kherehloa, who is visually impaired, highlighted another critical gap — limited access to healthcare for children with disabilities. She noted that many health workers are not trained in sign language, leaving children with hearing impairments dependent on interpreters.
In response, ‘Mathato Nkuatsana, Adolescent Health Manager at the Ministry of Health, acknowledged the need to improve service accessibility. She admitted that while adolescent health corners exist, many young people remain hesitant to seek care.
She emphasized that they have heard the concerns raised by youth, and they will reflect and work towards improving their services.

World Children’s Day is commemorated annually on 20 November, to promote and protect children’s rights globally. This year’s theme is “For Every Child, Every Right.”