Lifeline radios for Health Centres - Lesotho

Focus Area: Health

Donors: The Times Christmas Appeal 2005, Riders for Health

Beneficiaries: Nurses, Patients in Health Centres

Project Launched: 2009

Health centre nurses with their Lifeline Radio

Health centre nurses from across the mountainous kingdom of Lesotho gathered in a local medical facility at the foot of the Thaba Busio hill to receive Lifeline radios. Idlett Polane, 49, could hardly control her excitement. "It will be a great psychological boost for the patients!" she exclaimed. Other nurses, both male and female, concurred. Lifeline Energy Project Manager, Chhavi Sharma, distributed the radios to the health centre nurses, to enable patients to listen to the news, health programmes – especially on HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis – and other vital life skills information, while they wait to be seen.

In addition to breaking the monotony of the day, lightening the sombre atmosphere in the waiting rooms and distracting the patients from their pain and suffering, the radios will allow nurses to get on with their duties and care for the sick. Idlett is pleased that after more than 18 years of service her health centre in Maputsoe district will have a radio; she will now be able to concentrate on looking after the patients, instead of constantly having to calm them down and address their concerns.

This project, in collaboration with Riders for Health, distributed 200 radios to health centres in remote parts of Lesotho. Using motorcycles, Riders for Health provides a reliable and effective transport system, whereby anti-retroviral drugs and regular health care are delivered to people in isolated and hard to reach areas. The radios will assist health professionals and nurses spread critical medical information and educate patients on the prevention and treatment of various diseases.