LRCS STRENGTHENS FIRST AID FOR SAFER COMMUNITIES
The Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to building safer, more resilient communities through strengthened First Aid capacity. On 5th February 2026, LRCS officially launched the “First Aid for All: Saving Lives, Sustaining Impact in Lesotho” project, marking a significant step toward decentralizing lifesaving knowledge across the country.
Speaking at the launch, LRCS Secretary General Mr. Sechaba Mokhameleli emphasized that First Aid is not only a global priority but also the foundation of the Red Cross Movement. He highlighted LRCS’s dedication to increasing both the number and the impact of trained First Aiders, who will in turn be equipped to train others.
“Life-saving work cannot be carried out by only a few people,” he said, underscoring the importance of ensuring that First Aid knowledge reaches every district in Lesotho.
Through this initiative, 100 community-based volunteers, ten from each district, will be trained to serve as frontline responders within their communities. In addition, 20 participants (two per district) will undergo Training of Trainers to ensure that First Aid knowledge and skills are sustained and continuously passed on at community level.
Mr. Mokhameleli also stressed the importance of integrating First Aid training with transport licensing, noting that many injuries occur as a result of road accidents.
“Too often, accident victims are rushed to health facilities while still alive, but due to a lack of basic First Aid knowledge, lives are lost along the way,” he said.
He further explained that the initiative comes at a time when LRCS has entered into several strategic partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding with key sectors. These include a five-year MoU signed in June 2025 with the Lesotho Defense Force to strengthen national emergency and disaster response, collaboration with the Ministry of Education to integrate First Aid training into schools, and growing interest from the Ministry of Health to train Village Health Workers. LRCS has also submitted a proposal to the Government of Lesotho to ensure that all vehicle users receive First Aid training, reinforcing the organization’s vision of safer, more resilient communities.
The launch event was attended by representatives from the Lesotho Defense Force, Lesotho Correctional Services, Lesotho Mounted Police Services, Disaster Management Authority, and National Security Services, among others reflecting strong national support for the initiative.
Stakeholders echoed the importance of the program. Ms. Ts’epang Maama, Stakeholder Manager at the Disaster Management Authority (DMA), emphasized that First Aid should be a universal skill across workplaces. “An emergency is not planned, it can happen anywhere at any time, and there would be a need to save lives. Saving lives is a responsibility of everyone,” she said.
Similarly, Mr. Muso Lehlokoa, Fire Chief, highlighted the vulnerability of certain communities. He explained that some villages are more prone to accidents, making it essential to train local residents in First Aid so they can respond effectively.
“There is a need to train members of those communities on First Aid to allow them to save lives by offering good First Aid rather than making matters worse.,” he noted.
With these efforts, LRCS continues to prioritize First Aid as the difference between life and death, ensuring that communities across Lesotho are better prepared to respond to emergencies and save lives. The project is supported by the Turkish Red Crescent to the tune of 450,000 Maloti, further strengthening its impact and sustainability.
