The Legacy of LeBoHA
Since 2003, we've been dedicated to transforming healthcare in Lesotho. Our journey has been one of innovation, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to improving lives.
Our Humble Beginnings
The Boston University Medical Campus (BUMC) has a long history of work in Lesotho with and for the Lesotho Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW).In 2001-02 Boston University carried out an economic feasibility and design study for a possible new hospital to replace Lesotho’s current National Referral Hospital – Queen Elizabeth II. This engagement led to a discussion with Dr. M. Motloheloa Phooko, then Minister of Health & Social Welfare, as to whether Lesotho would be interested if Boston University were to make a multi-year commitment to work with the country as it grappled with the profound impacts of HIV/AIDS. Dr. Phooko indicated his interest and Dr. John Silber, then Chancellor of Boston University, approved and provided start-up funding on June 10, 2003.
The Honourable Minister, Dr. Mphu Ramatlapeng, then in private practice, saw the potential of the Boston commitment and introduced the Boston team to the Deputy Prime Minster in August of 2003. Subsequently, Boston University President’s Chobanian and Brown have reaffirmed this commitment, and the Government of Lesotho and BUMC agreed to focus on preserving the lives of Lesotho’s citizens through building the capacity of the country’s health workforce and maximizing the efficiency of Lesotho’s existing health system and its use of resources.
Since January 2004, BUMC has had a continuous presence in Lesotho. Work has focused on supporting the intent of the MOHSW Human Resources Development & Strategic Plan through professional exchanges, multi-cadre discussions on strategy, training community health workers, building capacity for individual problem solving, and the development of a long-term program for the introduction of specialty training in family medicine, continuing education for in-patient nurses, and health services management improvement in two of Lesotho’s ten districts.
BUMC has also provided technical assistance and advice when requested to the MOHSW and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning on multiple issues, including health insurance, resource limitations and antiretrovirals, the formulation of an agreement with the Christian Health Association of Lesotho (CHAL), and research involving human subjects. BUMC, with funding from the International Finance Corporation and World Bank, has also had an ongoing major role in planning the new national referral hospital. Construction of the Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital was completed in 2011 and serves as the new national referral hospital.
Our Journey Through Time
Early Foundations (1990-2004)
- August 1990 – Completed study on health sector performance indicators.
- June 1993 – Completed study on population aging.
- June 2002 – Completed study for MOHSW on QEII hospital and referrals health services.
- November 2002 – MOHSW requests Boston University's help.
- June 2003 – BU President makes long-term commitment to work with Lesotho through the HIV/AIDS crisis.
- August 2003 – Deputy Prime Minister requests help to "keep teachers alive".
- October 2003 – Adult HIV prevalence reaches 31%.
- January 2004 – BU collaboration with Lesotho College of Education (LCE) begins.
- April 2004 – Conducted first PSBH® training.
Growth & Expansion (2005-2007)
- March 2005 – Opened primary care clinic at LCE.
- December 2005 – MOHSW launched the Know Your Status campaign.
- December 2005 – LeBoHA and PACT sign agreement to increase effectiveness, quality and capacity of HIV related services.
- June 2006 – Opt-out testing introduced at the LCE clinic.
- September 2006 – LeBoHA works with hospitals to develop an implementation plan for the training of Community Health Workers in testing and counseling.
- October 2006 – LCE clinic initiates 4 people on treatment for AIDS.
- November 2006 – First group of Community Based Counselors (CBCs) start door-to-door testing in Berea.
Consolidation & Progress (2008-2010)
- January 2008 – FMSTP launched with 2 trainees.
- January 2008 – Tsepong consortium led by Netcare is selected to operate PPP referral hospital.
- March 2008 – On-site competency-based nursing education program launched at Motebang and Maluti Hospitals.
- March 2008 – Completed training of 85 Advanced CBCs.
- March 2008 – Conducted PSBH® training.
- April 2008 – FMSTP featured in Lesotho's paper, the Public Eye.
- April 2008 – QA Steering Committee formed at Maluti.
Modern Era (2011-Present)
- 2011 - Completion of Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital
- 2013 - Expansion of Family Medicine Specialty Training Program
- 2015 - Launch of telemedicine initiatives for remote areas
- 2018 - Partnership with international health organizations for research
- 2020 - COVID-19 response initiatives and community support
- 2023 - 20th anniversary celebration and future roadmap
Two decades of dedicated healthcare transformation
Building healthcare capacity for the nation
Initiatives that changed communities
Creating lasting health impact nationwide
Looking to the Future
As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we remain committed to our mission of transforming healthcare in Lesotho. Our vision for the next decade includes expanding telemedicine services, establishing regional training centers, and developing new partnerships to address emerging health challenges.