Maseru ‒ Mampotseng Letuka, a mother of eight from Koali village in Berea district in the north of Lesotho, has spent her life advancing the health of her community. For 16 years, she has followed up on HIV and TB cases to ensure people adhere to their treatment and supported the health needs of the women and children in her village. For the past couple of years, she has been an advocate for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which protects adolescent girls and young women against the virus that causes most cervical cancers..

“We were made aware of cervical cancer for quite some time. We knew it’s a dangerous disease for women. Luckily, there hasn’t been any reported case in our village.” says Letuka. “However, a woman in a nearby village is currently undergoing treatment. She has been using her medication and she’s doing well.”

Letuka says she has made it her “absolute responsibility” to sensitize girls between the ages of 9 and 14 about the benefits of HPV vaccination. She visits households, explaining the dangers of the disease and urging parents to protect their daughters by getting them vaccinated when they are eligible. Following her persuasion, most parents agreed, and brought their daughters to the village square for vaccination.

Thanks to collaborative efforts between Lesotho’s Ministry of Health, World Health Organization, UNICEF and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, over 139 000 girls in Lesotho between the ages of 9 and 14 have been vaccinated against HPV since the launch of the most recent campaign in 2022. Cervical cancer significantly impacts women in Lesotho, with an estimated 541 women diagnosed and 362 deaths annually. 

The 93% national coverage obtained during the last HPV vaccination campaign exceeds the initial 90% target and surpasses the 91% achieved in a previous campaign that was interrupted due to financial constraints. These vaccination efforts are part of a broad approach to achieving the targets of WHO’s global strategy for the elimination of cervical cancer by 2030. 

As for Letuka, she is “ecstatic” to see this happening. “I am so happy to see the fruits of my labour – getting as many girls vaccinated as I can. I feel so happy and satisfied seeing so many of them receive the HPV vaccine,” she says.

Thanks to Mampotseng Letuka for sharing her story.