United Nations in Lesotho. Delivering as One

Transcription

1 United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One

2 Note The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries United Nations All worldwide rights reserved Cover photo credits: UN

3 CONTENTS FOREWORD WHAT IS DELIVERING AS ONE? What prompted the reform?... How is the reform structured?... The One UN Programme... The One Office... The One Leader... The Communicating as One... What are the major achievements of the DaO reform to date?... What is the Lesotho Government s role in the reform?... Partnering with Civil Society Organizations... INVESTMENT CLIMATE, MANUFACTURING AND TRADE & FINANCIAL SERVICES AGRICULTURE & FOOD SECURITY, ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES AND CLIMATE CHANGE GOVERNANCE & INSTITUTIONS HEALTH AND NUTRITION HIV AND AIDS SKILLS AND INNOVATION SOCIAL PROTECTION CONTENTS 1

4

5 FOREWORD Since 2008, Lesotho has supported the entire United Nations reform process, known as Delivering as One. Lesotho was not one of the few pilot countries, yet the then-government endorsed the process and embraced it nationally as a self-starter partner that has helped the UN in Lesotho speak in one voice and operate more effectively. Recent years have seen the UN in Lesotho work with the Government to develop new ways of cooperation, enabling partners to achieve greater impact on the ground by being more results-oriented, efficient, and by harmonizing business practices across agencies. What follows is an overview of that reform-process cooperation and what it has so far achieved through the Lesotho UN Development Assistance Action Plan (LUNDAP, ). With only few months left for the culmination of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Lesotho has recorded a considerable progress in MDGs relating to access to universal education and gender equality and women s empowerment. Although some progress was made in promoting environmental sustainability and building partnerships for development, more still needs to be done to achieve sustainability. There is a need to increase efforts in transforming lives and reducing vulnerabilities among Basotho, especially women and children to tackle persisting inequalities and poverty. As in many other countries, some of the MDG agenda remains unfinished, Lesotho is well off the target on the goals relating to eradication of extreme poverty and hunger and the health-related MDGs including reducing child mortality, improving maternal health and Combating HIV and AIDS and Tuberculosis. The lessons learnt from Lesotho s MDG experience can help inform and lay the foundations for a smooth transition from the MDGs to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensure the continuation of existing efforts the Post-2015 development agenda, which sets out the new global framework for development for the next 15 years. The UN helps address Lesotho s development challenges by providing evidence-based policy advice and sharing innovation and international best practices. The UN continues to support the Government in addressing the development agenda, strengthening national capacities and using its convening role to bring together different stakeholders and facilitated multi-sectoral processes to inform policies and programmes. This publication provides a comprehensive overview of the development results achieved under the United Nation s Delivering as One work during the period in all six thematic areas that include Investment Climate, Manufacturing and Trade and Financial Services, Agriculture, Food Security, Environment, Natural Resources & Climate change, Governance and Institutions, Skills and Innovation, Health, Nutrition and HIV and AIDS and Social Protection. The UN in Lesotho is keen to continuously adapt and improve the way results are delivered and measured, working closely with the Government, civil society and other partners. Only by working in partnership with multiple stakeholders and by delivering results cross-sectorally will the UN be able to support the Post-2015 development agenda in Lesotho. KARLA HERSHEY Resident Coordinator in Lesotho FOREWORD 3

6 The Delivering as One 4 United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One

7 What is Delivering as One? What is Delivering as One? The Delivering as One reform involves streamlining programmes, focusing on areas where the UN can have a greater impact, reducing duplication of efforts, and more effective use of human and financial resources. Delivering as One involves a bottom-up approach to reform: evidence from change in the field influences the agenda and the political process at UN Headquarters level. The support of UN Member States including Lesotho is crucial to ensure that the best practices from DaO countries are effectively applied as an operational standard across the world to maximize the impact on the ground. What prompted the reform? The Delivering as One reform comes in response to the changing aid environment - an attempt to translate the Paris and Accra principles of aid-effectiveness into practice. It also aims to reaffirm the UN s position as a key actor in the field of international development with its unique global reach and potential for coordinated responses to development challenges. How is the reform structured? THE DELIVERING AS ONE REFORM HAS FIVE PILLARS One Programme One Leader One Budget One Office Communicating as One HERE S WHAT EACH PILLAR MEANS The One UN Programme approach calls for effective collaboration between UN agencies and its various partners, requiring joint work-plans, joint budgets and the definition of common results. The UN Country Team works as one to support Lesotho in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Lesotho s National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) and the new Post-2015 Development Agenda through a people-centered, rights-based approach to development as outlined in the Lesotho United Nations Development Assistance Action Plan, the combined planning Action plan for all the UN organizations whether they be resident and operating in Lesotho, or non-resident. The DaO reform has put in place programming and operational principles that today promote the harmonized delivery of UN agencies programmes in Lesotho. The One Office agenda focuses on both harmonizing business processes and developing common services, in order for all UN agencies to increase operational efficiency and financial savings. The UN House brings together all seven UN resident agencies operating in Lesotho: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), World Health Organization (WHO) and World Food Programme (WFP) including the World Bank. The common operations strategy strengthens joint procurement, information and communication technologies, human resources and financial management all with the aim to more effectively deliver UN development programmes. The One Leader refers to the empowerment of the UN Resident Coordinator and the UN agency heads. An effective and committed UN Country Team under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator, facilitates the coordinated implementation of all UN interventions. The Communicating as One aproach enhances UN coordination, capacity and impact in the area of communications. The Delivering as One communication strategy enhances programme delivery through harmonized messaging and advocacy to the partners and Basotho people. One Budget One Budget calls for agreed costed results presented in one financial framework, showing each agency s planed input together with the funding source. Unfunded results are also identified. Each participating UN agency identifies the resource it expects to provide-whether inkind or monetary - subject to funds being available. At the end of the year, agencies and government departments provide information on progress made against the planned results and actual expenditures, to give governments a clear picture of UN support. The results in the financial framework can be funded by agencies core resources, national government contributions, direct contributions from donors, and a specific country coherence fund established for interested donors. United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One 5

8 What are the major achievements of the DaO reform to date? The UN s strategic framework for Lesotho, UNDAF, articulates in detail the UN system s contribution to national-development priorities and international commitments enhancing Lesotho and Development Partners. It pushes the reform further by deepening the harmonization of business practices and improving cost effectiveness. LUNDAP implementation is supported by interagency thematic working groups, UN Theme Group on Gender, Human Rights and Youth, UN Theme Group on Monitoring and Evaluation, Joint UN Team on AIDS, Operations Management Team, Disaster Management and Response Team, UN communications Group, UN Nutrition Team corresponding to the key priority areas of the National Strategic Development Plan. The LUNDAP incorporates a Results Matrix and a complementary Monitoring and Evaluation Matrix, which include specific indicators, baselines, targets and means of verification. The Government of Lesotho has shown leadership and ownership in the Delivering as One reforms, as far back as 2008, when it supported the launch of the process. Traditionally, all UN agencies in Lesotho have enjoyed close cooperation with government partners at all levels: national, regional and district. To facilitate cooperation under the LUNDAP, the UN s planning cycle has been aligned with the National Strategic Development Plan, enabling compliance with requirements for the national processes in addressing the development agenda. Partnering with Civil Society Organizations The United Nations is both a participant in and witness to an increasingly global civil society and cooperation among Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). CSOs play a key role at major UN conferences and are indispensable partners for UN efforts at the country level and at the grass-roots. Lesotho CSOs are routinely consulted about the latest UN policy and programme atters. The UN organizes and hosts on a regular basis, briefings, meetings and conferences for CSO representatives accredited to UN offices, programmes and agencies. What is the Lesotho Government s role in the reform? 6 United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One

9 LESOTHO UN DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE FRAMEWORK ( ) RESULTS GROUPS Investment Climate, Manufacturing, Trade and Financial Services Agriculture, Food Security, Environment, Natural Resources & Climate Change Governance and Institutions Skills and Innovation Health, Nutrition & HIV and AIDS Social Protection United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One 7

10 INVESTMENT CLIMATE, MANUFACTURING AND TRADE & FINANCIAL SERVICES 8 United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One

11 INVESTMENT CLIMATE, MANUFACTURING AND TRADE & FINANCIAL SERVICES Challenges and Opportunities More than half of Lesotho s people (57.1%) live below the national poverty line and Lesotho is classified among the low human development countries at an HDI of 0.486, ranking 162 out of 189 countries in While many factors contribute to poverty, the lack of employment, especially among youth and women, is a major contributing factor. The national unemployment rate is estimated at 25.3% (BOS, 2008), with more than 30% attributed to the youth. To boost employment and job creation, Lesotho needs job-creation initiatives and improved access to finance as well as spur private-sector growth. Programme at a Glance UN assistance ( ) US$ 1,184,760 Duration Funding partners UNDP, ILO, IFAD, UNCDF. Geographical coverage NATIONAL National Development Goals NSDP High, shared and employment economic growth National Implementing Partners Ministry of Development Planning, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Local Governance, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Public Service, The Independent Electoral Commission, The Office of the Ombudsman, Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offencesive Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Trade & Industry Cooporatives & Marketing, Ministry of Gender, Youth, Sports and Recreation. UN participating Agencies UNCTAD, ITC, UNDP, UNECA, UNIDO, ILO, UNCITRAL, IFAD, UNCDF. Beneficiaries Government, Women and youth, Workers associations, Private sector. United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One 9

12 Unites Nations in Action The cluster on Investment Climate, Manufacturing and Trade & Financial Services contributes to the realization of the National Strategic Development Plan, particularly the objectives to promote accelerated, shared and employment-creating economic growth as well as the promotion of institutions effective for policy formulation, execution and monitoring. The UN in Lesotho works to facilitate development of sustainable partnerships that promote private-sector participation, diversification of industry of job sectors and competitive economic development. It does so by nurturing micro, small and medium-enterprise skills, entrepreneurship development, improved investment climate, and trade integration. Between 2011 and 2014, joint UN efforts had cumulatively contributed 2,451 new jobs (over 60% for women). This represents almost 49% against a five-year target of creating 5,000 jobs by the end of Moreover, by the end of 2014, 1,857 Basotho had gained fresh access to previously inaccessible finance, through the UN-supported microfinance initiatives. By 2017, the UN in Lesotho aims to help increase access to formal financial services by 10% in urban areas and 15% in rural areas. In partnership with responsible institutions, the UN continues to support policy development as well as explore opportunities that enhance access to finance and financial resources in Lesotho. The UN also continued to support economic research and evidence for policy formulation, execution and monitoring leading to a better investment and business climate. In 2014, the UN specifically contributed to the development of the mining and investment policies, research for employment creating options in Lesotho, as well as support to the production of data and statistics. The Government of Lesotho was also supported in the efforts to improve trade facilitation and doing business indicators, through support to the OBFC; specifically targeting ranking on days taken to register a business in Lesotho. The UN continues supporting capacity building programmes and the development of effective institutions. 10 United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One

13 INVESTMENT CLIMATE, MANUFACTURING AND TRADE & FINANCIAL SERVICES UN INVESTMENT CLIMATE, MANUFACTURING AND TRADE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES ACTION PLAN OUTCOMES Outcome: By 2017, public and private institutions will have promoted increased investments, manufacturing, trade and financial services and create decent employment in an inclusive sustainable manner. Key Planned Results: Increased capacities of industry and commerce operators to provide decent employment opportunities, particularly for vulnerable Basotho in manufacturing, trade and services industries. Mechanisms to enhance regional and national trade development a strengthened and increased competitiveness. Improved national statistical system to produce timely, reliable and relevant data for evidence- based policy formulation, execution and monitoring UN assistance US$ 1,184,760 United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One 11

14 AGRICULTURE & FOOD SECURITY, ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES AND CLIMATE CHANGE 12 United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One

15 AGRICULTURE & FOOD SECURITY, ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES AND CLIMATE CHANGE Challenges and Opportunities About three-quarters of Lesotho s population resides in rural areas, and the vast majority of this population depends to a large extent on agriculture and natural resources for their livelihoods. Unfortunately, these sectors have long performed poorly. The low output has made those who depend on livelihoods vulnerable to poverty and food insecurity. Key issues include the deteriorating environmental conditions, especially extensive land degradation, low agricultural production which has caused great food insecurity and lack of access to energy in rural areas. For instance, domestic cereal production only satisfies between 30% and 40% of the national cereal requirements. Furthermore, only 27% of Lesotho s households have access to electricity. The impacts of climate change have further worsened these conditions, jeopardizing the livelihoods and resilience of too many Basotho families especially their children and most vulnerable groups. It is therefore not surprising that chronic malnutrition as measured by the level of stunting (low height for age) has over the last twenty years consistently stayed above the problem threshold (30%) set by the World Health Organisation. This type of malnutrition has serious adverse consequences for the country. Once stunting has developed in young age it is irreversible and has lasting negative impact on the physical and mental capabilities of children and adolescents. Programme at a Glance UN assistance ( ) US$ 31,583,300 Duration Funding partners European Commission, USAID, DFID, GEF, COMESA Common Market For Eastern and Southern Africa. National Development Goals NSDP Reverse environmental degradation and adapt to climate change National Implementing Partners Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Ministry of Forestry, Range and Soil Conservation, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ministry of Gender, Youth, Sports and Recreation, Ministry of Energy and Meteorology, Ministry of Water Affairs, Disaster Management Authority, National University of Lesotho, NGOs and CBOs. UN participating Agencies FAO, WFP, UNDP, IFAD, ITC, UNEP Geographical coverage NATIONAL Beneficiaries Agriculture, environment and natural resources sector, Vulnerable households. United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One 13

16 Unites Nations in Action In line with the NSDP, the UN in Lesotho seeks to help the people and Government of Lesotho achieve increased and sustainable agricultural growth, food security, access to energy, and resilience to climate change, while also ensuring sustainable usage of natural resources and protecting the environment. Lesotho lags behind in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) targets of reducing poverty and hunger by half. Given the country s landscape and socio-economic conditions, agriculture, environment and natural-resources management have a significant role to play in whether Lesotho is able to achieve these MDG targets. Unfortunately, the overall performance of these relevant sectors has failed to live up to expectations, fueling the pervasive poverty and chronic food insecurity, and worsening the health of many Basotho. Despite the troubling performance of this sector, some positive results have been delivered in selected areas and if scaled-up and consolidated, they can bring about the desired impact. In the area of crop production, the national average yield for maize has increased from a ten-year average of 0.5 tonnes/hectare, to 0.82 during the 2012/13 agricultural year, and 0.7 during 2013/14. This improvement is largely attributed to improved access to productivity-enhancing technologies (e.g. Conservation Agriculture) and inputs (seeds and fertilizers). Furthermore, farming communities seem to be embracing the government policy on transforming agriculture, from its predominantly subsistence base to more market-oriented undertaking. To date, a sizeable number of progressive farmers have established smallto medium-sized agribusiness ventures, with the support of different UN agencies. These businesses are predominately in horticulture (green houses), while there is little focus on small-livestock production (poultry, piggery and other). The UN family continues to build multi-faceted resilience among the most vulnerable segments of Lesotho s population. In 2014 alone, the UN in Lesotho provided access to fortified food commodities to more than 25,000 beneficiaries through the UN Food-For-Assets Programme. These resilience-building programmes were accompanied by technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of key institutions for emergency earlywarning, preparedness and responses to food crises. The UN is also working towards integrating social protection with agriculture, through promotion of home gardens and nutrition education amongst recipients of social grants. Recognizing how important environmental and naturalresources management are to improve and sustain the livelihoods of local communities, the UN system continues to mobilize and train communities on sustainable landmanagement, conservation-based agricultural production techniques/practices, and how to apply renewable-energy technologies. The UN successfully promotes innovation, research, technology development and transfer as a contribution towards greening Lesotho s economy and building resilience to climate change. Some highlights of these innovation platforms and partnerships include: the increased use of renewable energy; providing energy access to 10,000 people in the rural areas; successful research and demonstration of biofuel production using algae; and production of tiles from waste paper and plastic. 14 United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One

17 AGRICULTURE & FOOD SECURITY, ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES AND CLIMATE CHANGE UN AGRICULTURE, FOOD SECURITY, ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES & CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION PLAN OUTCOMES Outcome: By 2017, national institutions (public and private) to deliver quality services for increased agricultural growth and food security; By 2017, Lesotho to adopt environmental-management practices that promote a low-carbon climate-resilient economy and society, sustainably manages natural resources and reduces vulnerability to disasters Selected national institutions and farmer organizations to improve capacity to deliver and respond to potential agriculture and food-insecurity risks. Agricultural policy environment for commercialization is strengthened. Key Planned Results: Capacity for M&E, agricultural research, extension and education services strengthened. Food and nutritional products, non-food items, cash transfers and vouchers distributed in sufficient quantity and quality and in a timely manner to targeted beneficiries. Increased capacity of government, civil society institutions and private sector to integrate Climate Change (CC) into policies, planning frameworks, budgets and implementation strategies. Innovative low-ghg technologies deployed and successfully demonstrated at the community level, community centres and schools, and their access improved. Plans and systems to be established and training capacity of DMA increased to mitigate hazards and prepare for potential disasters for vulnerable people and DRR incorporated into sectoral policies. Increased community participation in environmental protection and natural resources conservation UN assistance US$ 31,583,300 United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One 15

18 GOVERNANCE & INSTITUTIONS 16 United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One

19 GOVERNANCE & INSTITUTIONS Challenges and Opportunities For Lesotho to thrive as a stable, prosperous and democratic country, it needs institutions that promote, accountability, human rights, gender equality, access to justice and rule of law, while also providing equitable, high-quality services. The UN in Lesotho continues to work closely with the Government of Lesotho, development partners, civil society organizations and the private sector to advance good governance to the benefit of all Basotho. Programme at a Glance UN assistance ( ) National Implementing Partners US$ 2,661,466 Duration Funding partners European Union, USAID National Development Goals NSDP Promote peace, democratic governance and build effective institutions Ministry Development Planning, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Local Governance, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Public Service, The Independent Electoral Commission, The Office of the Ombudsman, Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences; Bureau of Statistics. UN participating Agencies UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, ILO, UNCDF Geographical coverage NATIONAL Beneficiaries All sectors of the economy including individuals, Local entities. United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One 17

20 Unites Nations in Action Working in partnership with the Government of Lesotho to implement its National Strategic Development Plan, the UN system focuses on good governance through strengthening democratic institutions, electoral support, human rights, peace building, gender equality and evidence-based approaches to governance challenges. The United Nations remains committed to sustainable peace and security in Lesotho. For example, the UN provided considerable technical assistance to the Independent Election Commission (IEC) prior to the February 2015 national elections. The UN conducted an electoral-needs assessment in late 2014 to assess the IEC s capacity, and immediately responded with technical assistance on logistics, public outreach, voter education and training for IEC polling staff, chiefs, party agents and journalists for ethical elections coverage. Progress continues toward public-sector reform and decentralization of services. The major UN contribution to developing the capacities of local authorities sets the foundation to deliver better-quality, more-accessible services to Basotho society by Women empowerment in Les otho has made considerable gains since Evidence according to the 2013 MDG report, suggests that the percentage of Basotho women who make decisions regarding their own health has increased from 37% to 44% according to the MDG progress report. Meanwhile, the percentage of women who have a say in all areas of decision-making increased from 30% in 2004 to 53% in The UN in Lesotho has helped strengthen the capacity of National ID Registration and Bureau of Statistics staff, by providing technical knowledge and skills through study-tours and technical assistance. This will enable to more effectively produce and manage the 2016 Census, vital statistics and other national surveys. The UN continues to support national statistical surveys, such as the 2014 Lesotho Demographic Survey, current preparations for the 2016 Population and Housing Census, and the strengthening of vital statistics Programme at a Glance through the National Identity and Birth Registration. The UN in Lesotho continues to support the One Stop Centre for Gender-Based Violence (GBV), where 500 gender-based violence survivors were recently trained on basic developmental counseling, and equipment and support services provided for GBV surviving women and children who sought shelter at the facility. For the two Houses of Parliament, the UN has also provided technical and financial assistance to help develop Strategic Plans, guidelines on Interpretation of New Standing Orders, Orientation and Public Participation Manuals. These instruments have been institutionalized and will benefit Parliament for years to come. The UN also provided technical assistance in 2012 and 2013 to develop Lesotho s Human Rights Policy, draft the National Human Rights Commission Bill and Action Plan, drafting and submission of Lesotho s State Party Reports, including the first submission of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in January 2015 to ensure the country complied with its international obligations. UN support was provided for human rights trainings for Judges of the High Court, Members of Parliament, Members of the Security Establishment and primaryschool teachers. The UN in Lesotho supported the development and implementation of an Investigations Procedure Manual, which has transformed the way Office of the Ombudsman investigators conduct their field inspections. The streamlined, standardized process has greatly contributed to a more efficient, effective Office of the Ombudsman. Furthermore, the national Anti- Corruption Strategy was developed with the UN support. 18 United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One

21 GOVERNANCE & INSTITUTIONS UN GOVERNANCE AND INSTITUTIONS ACTION PLAN OUTCOMES Outcome: By 2017, national and local governance structures deliver quality and accessible services to all citizens, while respecting the need to protect human rights, provide access to justice, and resolve conflicts peacefully. By 2017, both national and all lower-level institutions make evidence-based policy decisions. Strengthen the capacity of key national institutions to promote gender equality, while reducing sexual violence, gender-based violence, and the exploitation of women and children. National Peace Architecture in place. By 2017, national and lower-level institutions make evidence-based policy decisions. Put in place a national statistical, monitoring and evaluation system, with timely, reliable and relevant data for evidence-based polices and plans. Better equip key national institutions to formulate and review evidence-based policies and plans. Key Planned Results: Enhance the capacity of national institutions to collect, analyse, disseminate and utilize national HIV&AIDS M&E disaggregated data for evidence-based planning and programming. Establish and keep functional a research and knowledge-management system for HIV&AIDS and maintain all its mechanisms. Establish and operate effective national and district, coordination and management structures that focus on HIV&AIDS and HIV&AIDS forums. Review the effectiveness of policies and laws connected to the HIV&AIDS response. Build capacity of key stakeholders to mainstream HIV&AIDS in all sectors. Establish and operationalize financing mechanisms to ensure the sustainability of the national HIV&AIDS response. Effectively coordinate and support the management and implementation of the Joint UN Programme of Support on AIDS (JUPSA) UN assistance US$ 2,661,466 United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One 19

22 HEALTH AND NUTRITION 20 United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One

23 HEALTH AND NUTRITION Challenges and Opportunities Health, nutrition and HIV/AIDS are predominant development challenges in Lesotho. Lesotho is off-track for hitting its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) targets on maternal and child health, and HIV. Maternal deaths represent 11 percent of all deaths among women aged One in every nine children born in Lesotho dies before reaching his or her fifth birthday. A third of children are stunted. The persistently high HIV prevalence in the adult population remains the most significant threat to the achievement of health and nutrition outcomes for adults and children, now and in the future. Although communicable diseases are predominant, a worrying new trend is the rise of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Rural households where 75 percent of the population resides and impoverished households, also suffer poorer health outcomes than wealthier and/or urban households. While the country has made progress in improving health and nutrition outcomes in recent years when stunting has reduced from 39% to 33% and under five child mortality rate has reduced from 117 to 85 deaths per 100 live births, it fell short of meeting the MDGs and is insufficient to attain the goal of having a healthy and productive population by Programme at a Glance UN assistance ( ) National Implementing Partners US$ 13,364,289 Duration National Development Goals NSDP Improve health, combat HIV and AIDS and reduce vulnerability Ministry of Health; Ministry of Gender, Youth Sport and Recreation, Lesotho Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS (LENEPWHA), Lesotho Network of AIDS Service Organizations (LENASO), Lesotho Inter- Religious AIDS Consortium (LIRAC). Funding partners UNICEF, UNFPA, UNAIDS, UNDP, WHO UN participating Agencies WHO, UNICEF, WFP, UNFPA Geographical coverage NATIONAL Beneficiaries Adult men and women, Pregnant women, Children, Young People. United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One 21

24 Unites Nations in Action The UN is partnering with the government, nongovernmental organisations, and donors to combat the spread of HIV and ensure equitable access to highimpact, cost-effective health and nutrition interventions for vulnerable populations. To realize the strategic objectives within the LUNDAP Health and Nutrition sectors the UN in Lesotho works with the Government to formulate policies, develop strategic documents and technical guidelines. The UN also works to strengthen the capacity of all health-related institutions and civilsociety organizations at national, district and local/community levels to improve service delivery. This is achieved through evidence-based planning, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation, as well as by devising and implementing disaster-risk-reduction plans. With UN advocacy and support, the King of Lesotho, His Majesty King Letsie III, was appointed as Nutrition Champion for Africa. In June 2014, the King delivered an advocacy speech to African leaders at the AU Heads of State Summit to advance Africa s nutrition agenda. His Majesty highlighted the high prevalence of malnutrition on the continent, its impact on children, as well as on the economy, and advocated for increased investment in food- and nutrition-security programmes. In addition, the King led the Lesotho delegation s participation in the Second International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2), jointly organized by FAO and WHO in Rome, Italy, in November His Majesty s committed involvement was jointly acknowledged by both Director-Generals of FAO and WHO, through their joint letter to the King in December The United Nations Lesotho welcomes the commitment and support from the highest level concerning this crucial issue for the country. The UN in Lesotho provided technical and financial support to the Ministry of Health (MOH) to develop: the Health Promotion Policy and Strategic plan; the Procurement and Supply Chain Strategic Plan for Medicines and Medical Products; the Non-Communicable Disease Action Plan; and the Drinking Water Quality Surveillance Strategy. These documents will provide strategic direction in the identified areas. With UN support, the MOH conducted a comprehensive review of Expended Programme of Immunization (EPI), which identified ways to strengthen the health system to deliver vaccines to children. In 2014, the UN supported 27,059 Basotho beneficiaries in a massive intervention to prevent stunting in the districts of Mokhotlong, Berea, Qacha s Nek, and Thaba-Tseka: 17,438 were children 6 to 23 months old, while 6,622 were pregnant or lactating women. Moreover, the UN supported 15,410 beneficiaries comprised of 2,679 children under the age of five; 10,622 people l iving with HIV (PLHIVs) and 2,109 pregnant and lactating women with specialized nutrition commodities like for children from 6 to 59 months old super cereal plus and from 5 years upwards super cereal for the treatment of moderate acute malnutrition. The UN provided technical and financial support to the MOH to procure lifesaving medicines (particularly for maternal health and safe deliveries) worth US$155,000, in line with WHO guidelines. In addition, verbal autopsy tools were developed and printed to capture maternal deaths at community level. The verbal autopsy tool is used to collect information on the causes of maternal deaths in Lesotho. This information is required for policy making and targeting of health services. In order to strengthen national capacity in the area of Maternal Death Surveillance and Response, the UN continues to support the efforts of the Lesotho Committee on Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths including the reviews of maternal deaths. By strengthening capacities of health providers and providing equipment, training manuals and IEC materials, the UN continues to support twelve health facilities, including district hospitals, to foster the provision of integrated HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services. Under the leadership of Her Majesty the Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso, the UN has initiated high-level advocacy to prevent maternal and neonatal deaths in Lesotho. During the reporting period, Principal Chiefs, their wives, and selected female religious leaders were trained on how to inform, educate and motivate families to use maternal health services. 22 United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One

25 HEALTH AND NUTRITION Unites Nations in Action With World Bank support, the MOH is conducting a pilot of performance-based financing for maternal, neonatal and childhealth services in health facilities in two districts. The project strengthened health-sector capacity at the central and district levels to plan and implement Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) plans. The capacity-development exercise resulted in development of a DRR business-continuity plan for all sectors including the health sector and establishment of a health-sector DRR Technical Team to guide programme managers in how to plan and implement DRR management. The UN supported the development of a business plan for health promotion, which played a crucial role in the development of the consolidated NCD Policy and Strategic Plan. Furthermore, to provide Basotho with baseline information on the magnitude of non-communicable diseases (NCD) such as diabetes and hypertension, the UN published the 2012 STEPS survey of chronic disease risk factors. UN GOVERNANCE AND INSTITUTIONS ACTION PLAN OUTCOMES Outcome: By 2017, achieve equitable access to and utilization of high-impact, cost-effective health and nutrition interventions for vulnerable populations. By 2017, persons living with HIV have access to and benefit from integrated service delivery, including nutrition support; ART and care; and HIV/TB co-infection management. Strengthen capacity of Government at all levels, including supply-chain management and the human-resource base, to deliver integrated child-survival interventions. Strengthen the system to promote healthy behaviours. Key Planned Results: Increased capacity of health institutions in 10 districts, to provide skilled, high-quality delivery care; emergency obstetric care; and familyplanning services. Strengthen capacity of districts, health facilities and communities to improve maternal nutrition, child-feeding practices, and provide quality Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) services. Strengthen capacity of health and nutrition managers at the central and district levels, to do evidence-based planning, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation, in order to attract more resources to their units UN assistance US$ 13,364,289 United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One 23

26 HIV AND AIDS 24 United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One

27 HIV AND AIDS Challenges and Opportunities Knowledge of how HIV is transmitted is crucial to enabling more Basotho to avoid HIV infections. This is especially true for young people who are often at greater risk, because they may have shorter relationships, with more partners, or engage in other risky behaviours. Although knowledge about HIV is universal in Lesotho, comprehensive knowledge about HIV prevention among young people remains stubbornly low: 34.8% in 2014, down from 35.2% in According to the Lesotho Demographic Household Survey (LDHS) 2014, an estimated 35% of Basotho men and 15% of women living with HIV do not even know their status. Nevertheless, Lesotho has made significant progress. Between 2004 and 2014, the percentage of adults who have tested for HIV has increased dramatically: among women, from 12% in 2004 to 66% in 2009, and now up to 84% by 2014; among men, from 9% in 2004, to 37% in 2009, to 63% in While the number of people getting tested has more than doubled from 221,000 in 2009 to 553,000 in 2014 the percentage of adults tested in the past 12 months is still far below the national target of 80%. Lesotho has made particularly strong progress in testing, treatment and prevention of motherto- child transmission (PMTCT). The strong progress has been made because of innovations such as the motherbaby pack and new PMTCT & ART guidelines have accelerated the scale-up of treatment services to a greater proportion of Basotho living with HIV, including pregnant women, new borns and adults who would otherwise not receive antiretroviral to improve life expectancy. Currently, more than 111,000 Basotho are receiving treatment, compared with fewer than 2,000 a decade ago. Programme at a Glance UN assistance ( ) US$ 5,750,000 Duration National Development Goals NSDP Improve health, combat HIV and AIDS and reduce vulnerability National Implementing Partners Ministry of Health, Ministry of Gender, Youth Sport and Recreation, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Local Goverment Lesotho Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS (LENEPWHA), Lesotho Network of AIDS Service Organizations (LENASO), Lesotho Inter-Religious AIDS Consortium (LIRAC) Funding partners UNICEF, UNFPA, UNAIDS, UNDP, WHO UN participating Agencies UNICEF, UNFPA, UNAIDS, UNDP, WHO Geographical coverage NATIONAL Beneficiaries Adult men and women, Pregnant women, Children, Young People. United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One 25

28 Unites Nations in Action The UN in Lesotho supported an advocacy workshop for 30 Parliamentarians who are members of the HIV & AIDS and MDG committees then jointly developed a plan of action with an associated budget. The UN also supported: an assessment of the legal and regulatory framework related to Lesotho s HIV and AIDS burden; the US$48 million Interim Application for Global Fund New Funding Model for HIV and Health Systems Strengthening; the production of key country reports, including the 2014 Global AIDS Response Progress Report, 2013 ANC Sentinel Surveillance, Stigma Index Study, Investment Case, the 2013/2014 Annual Joint Review TB and HIV report; the 2014 HIV and AIDS estimates and projections; and training 30 programme and M&E officers in the twelve Components of Strengthening M&E System. In the area of prevention, the UN in Lesotho supported the reestablishment of the national HIV prevention technical working group; and reinvigoration of the national prevention agenda; an Integrated Life Skills-based Sexuality Education (LBSE) curriculum now being taught in all 1,500 primary schools nationwide; the design, promotion and distribution of 5 million Vibe condoms for young people in non-traditional outlets like dispenses in public places such as the big malls; launching the Safeguard Young People Programme; development of the Social and Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC) strategy for , targeting all population groups with specific messages for behaviour change, including women and girls, couples, and Basotho. In addition, the UN enhanced capacity of civil-society organisations to accelerate implementation of high-impact HIV interventions- as well as for demand-creation to increase uptake of HIV prevention and treatment services by mobilizing communities such as people-living-with-hiv (PLHIV) networks, community-based organisations (CBOs) and faith-based organisations (FBOs). The UN also helped develop a joint-cost action-plan, monitoring framework and key indicators, in line with the Eastern and Southern Africa Commitment for Young People. Treatment areas focus on strengthening the central and sub-national levels, to offer comprehensive HIV treatment and care services, integrated with nutrition and homebased care services. The UN also supported the MOH to: develop, adapt and rollout the 2013 WHO Revisions and Recommendation of the ART guidelines; revise the national TB guidelines; undertake PMTCT bottleneck analysis, whose results help ease the challenges of poor access to services in prevention, treatment and care services among Basotho women and children; procure and distribute supplementary feeding-food packages to more than 50,000 ART and TB patients; and procure and distribute nutrition-assessment tools (scales, MUAC tapes, etc.) to health facilities in the 10 districts of Lesotho. 26 United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One

29 HIV AND AIDS UN AGRICULTURE, FOOD SECURITY, ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES & CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION PLAN OUTCOMES Outcome: By 2017, multi-stakeholders in the country contribute to the reduction of new annual HIV infections, especially among Basotho youth. By 2017, persons living with HIV have access to, and benefit from, the integrated delivery of services, including nutrition support; ART and care; and HIV/TB co-infection management. Fully functional national and district coordination and referral mechanisms, for HIV prevention among young people. Key Planned Results: Effective implementation of HIV-prevention interventions to change risky sexual behaviours among young people. Increased provision of comprehensive PMTCT services in local, community health facilities. Scale-up and delivery of youth-friendly health services. Government and partners respond more effectively to HIV and AIDS in the workplace UN assistance US$ 5,750,000 United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One 27

30 SKILLS AND INNOVATION 28 United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One

31 SKILLS AND INNOVATION Challenges and Opportunities Lesotho has made considerable progress in education, where it boasts one of the highest literacy rates and primary enrollment rates in all of Sub-Saharan Africa. However, while access and enrollment have improved, many severely disadvantaged children remain largely outside of school, including herd-boys, learners with disabilities, orphans and other vulnerable children who together represent roughly 20% of the entire population of Basotho children. Without attending to the needs of the most vulnerable, Lesotho will be unable to achieve the goal of educating 100% of all children at the primaryschool level. The UN in Lesotho is working with the government to increase the quality of education, as well as access to higher levels of education, by developing new education policies Programme at a Glance UN assistance ( ) US$ 5,764,880 Duration National Development Goals NSDP Enhance the skills base and foundation for innovation National Implementing Partners Ministry of Education and Training, Lesotho Association for Non-Formal Education, The Good Shepherd, Food Management Unit of the Prime Minister s Office, The Juvenile Training Centre. Funding partners GPE Secretariat South African Government UN participating Agencies UNICEF, WFP, World Bank Geographical coverage NATIONAL Beneficiaries Children aged 3-13 and youth United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One 29

32 Unites Nations in Action The main areas of intervention are: Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD), primary school education, non-formal education, and school feeding. The UN in Lesotho aims to improve both the access to education and quality of that education. The combination of UNsupported activities such as teacher training, policy work and curriculum reform aim to improve quality of education, while school-feeding improves access and attendance. Progress has been made in providing access to education, evidenced by a net enrolment rate, which increased from 60.2% in 1999 to 81.1% in The percentage of qualified teachers in primary schools also increased from 58% in 2011 to 68% in 2013, which was slightly above the target of 66%. This increase is a result of UN efforts in stepping up the teacher training. The UN exceeded its target of 50,000 children at the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) centers with 55,000 children now enrolled which represent 33% of the total, and 50,858 children are being reached by school feeding. The provision of school meals to 300,000 preand primary-school children led to more children being enrolled. The school meals ensure that children stay in school and prevents early drop-outs. These young children received morning porridge and a lunchtime meal that helps build stamina and improve their concentration. The UN also supported 23 schools in mountainous areas by equipping facilities with kitchens and storerooms. Overall, the UN assisted the Government to develop its national school-feeding policy, while also piloting a local food-purchase programme for school feeding, with the potential to boost both the rural economy and household incomes. At more than 10 resource centers across the country, pre-school teachers were trained on practical classroom instruction, lesson-planning, and how to develop and implement daily programmes, by following the UNsupported curriculum and learning materials. In 2014, 6,104 teachers received at least six full days of training on practical approaches to teaching young children. The UN supported the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) to develop the Integrated Early Childhood Care and Development (IECCD) policy, which has now been signed by line ministers and was officially launched on October With the UN support, an IECCD unit was created within the MOET, after the IECCD policy was finalized and disseminated. Moreover, the UN supported the drafting of Early Learning and Development Standards. The UN supports training, inspection, and a new childfriendly curriculum. Inspection is critical, as it supports teachers to provide quality education in schools, so the UN Skills and Innovation Action Plan Outcome: By 2017, learners at ECCD and Primary levels have equitable access to quality and relevant education Key Planned Results: Enhanced access to quality IECCD services, enrolment and learning outcomes, especially for the most vulnerable, primaryschool-age and over-aged children. Enhanced MOET capacity to coordinate, plan, implement, and monitor the provision and quality of both basic and targeted, non-formal education UN assistance US$ 5,764,880 UN supported the MOET with the decentralization of the inspectorate of the MOET. The UN is supporting the rollout of a new integrated curriculum across the country, a programme that is child-centered, and part of the Child Friendly School approach which is a UNICEF concept adopted by the MOET. Of the 11,007 non-formal education (NFE) learners, 2,778 are under the age of 18. NFE learners are Basotho who dropped out of school and now receive alternative ways of learning. With more than 60,000 children, between the ages of 6-13, out of school, there is much more to be done. The vast majority of NFE youth learners are enrolled in the literacy programme of the Lesotho Distant Teaching Center, which has a total of 7,922 learners. 30 United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One

33 SKILLS AND INNOVATION UN SKILLS AND INNOVATION ACTION PLAN OUTCOMES Outcome: By 2017, learners at ECCD and Primary levels have equitable access to quality and relevant education Key Planned Results: Enhanced access to quality IECCD services, enrolment and learning outcomes, especially for the most vulnerable, primaryschool-age and over-aged children. Enhanced MOET capacity to coordinate, plan, implement, and monitor the provision and quality of both basic and targeted, non-formal education UN assistance US$ 5,764,880 United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One 31

34 SOCIAL PROTECTION 32 United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One

35 SOCIAL PROTECTION Challenges and Opportunities Poverty and inequality continue to increase in Lesotho. The percentage of people living be low the poverty line has increased from 56% in 2003 to 57% in 2010 (Bureau of Statistics). One in four Basotho adults are HIV-positive and the resulting AIDS-related deaths fuels the growing number of widows and orphans in Lesotho. The epidemic of ten affects the family breadwinner, undermining the ability of people to feed and care for themselves, while eroding the capacity of communities and institutions to provide basic services to those in need. Without adequate social protection, poor and vulnerable groups face uncertainty even death. According to the mapping and assessment of vulnerability, the total number of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVCs) is 356,000 (approximately 19% of total population). The loss of parents sometimes forces children to become the heads of households depriving them of a normal childhood. Social protection has been considered as a national priority for the Government of Lesotho and is reflected in the National Strategic Development Plan The National expenditure for the key social safety nets programmes represents 4.5% of GDP, which is well above 1-2% spent by most developing countries. In 2012, the Ministry of Social Development was created to deliver implement Government s Vision on social protection as stipulated in the NSDP Despite the strong commitment by the Government of Lesotho, the sector grapples with challenges including the weak lack of coordination, and both overlap and gaps in coverage and spending between social protection schemes. UN assistance ( ) Programme at a Glance US$ 4,580,000 Duration Funding partners National Development Goals NSDP Improve health, combat HIV and AIDS and reduce vulnerability National Implementing Partners Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Training, Ministry of Labor and Employment, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Development Planning, Catholic Relief Services, Bureau of Statistics, Disaster Management Authority, World Vision International. UNICEF, WFP, World Bank, EU UN participating Agencies UNICEF, WFP, FAO, WB, ILO Geographical coverage NATIONAL Beneficiaries Children Women Poor Families United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One 33

36 Unites Nations in Action A social protection strategy that uses the life-cycle approach to reduce poverty and vulnerability Because of high vulnerability among its people, the Government of Lesotho, through its National Strategic Development Plan, adopted Social Protection as one strategy to address these challenges. To reduce vulnerability and poverty, the Government recently adopted the National Social Protection Strategy (NSPS), to guide the country s entire social-protection sector. The Strategy was officially launched in February 2015 by the Right Honorable Prime Minister. The UN in Lesotho, in partnership with European Union advocates for and provides support to social-protection mechanisms by improving and expanding the social-protection services through and improved targeting and delivery mechanisms, as well as increasing the coverage of social-protection programmes, particularly the Child Grants Programme (CGP), food assistance and school-feeding i ntervention The Child Grants Programme, in particular, targets poor and vulnerable households through an unconditional social cash transfer aimed to improve the living standards of HIV Orphans and Vulnerable Children. The programme aims at reducing malnutrition, improving health status and increasing school enrolment. From its inception as a donor pilot-project, the Government assumed responsibility for the CGP in 2013, officially included in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). By the end of 2014, the CGP now offered in 43 councils, across all 10 districts had reached 25,600 households; 2,026 pre-schools; and provided benefits to roughly 65,000 Basotho children nationwide. CGP has contributed significantly to the development agenda: improving access and retention of children to schools, morbidity and birth-registration ( UNICEF, OPM, CGP impact evaluation follow-up research, 2014); food security, as 60% of the grants are used for food; a multiplying effect of 2.23 in local economic and the affordable expansion of the CGP nationwide. The UN s social protection programmes, including cash based transfers and food based safety net activities, provide a means for integrating the Strategic Development Goal 2 (End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture) and other elementsof the agenda into a broader framework that channels investment derived from rising levels of prosperity to support national goals for reducing hunger and undernutrition. Through the School Meals Programme, the UN is supporting the Government of Lesotho in providing two meals per day to 250,000 students in primary schools and 50,000 preschool learners throughout the country. The UN is also providing cash and food to 4,050 people frequently affected by climate change in the districts of Mafeteng and Mohale s Hoek. 34 United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One

37 SOCIAL PROTECTION Between March and August 2015, the 4,050 beneficiaries had created assets including dams, water tanks and community gardens in an effort to increase their ability to withstand shocks. Throughout the country UNis targeting 43,750 pregnant and lactating women, children under five years of age and vulnerable patients on HIV therapy and TB treatment. These are given specialised nutritious food including super cereal and super cereal Plus (Corn Soya blend), and pulses, vegetable oil and maize meal. Meanwhile, the UN in Lesotho also supported the development of a national registry for social assistance (NISSA), which would cover 45 Community Councils in all districts encompassing roughly one-quarter of Lesotho s population. Since 2015, Government with the support of the UN agencies and in partnership with the European Union is reforming the NISSA in order to improve targeting efficiency and promote better harmonization and integration between social safety nets. Through an integrated community development model, UN in partnership with the European Union is supporting Government to strengthen linkage between social protection and other sectors in order to promote livelihood. The UN in partnership with GIZ is also supporting the Ministry of Local Government to implement a One Stop Shop pilot which aim to strengthen service delivery at local level linking with social protection. UN SOCIAL PROTECTION ACTION PLAN OUTCOMES Outcome: By 2017, vulnerable groups have access to adequate and effectively managed (HIV-AIDS, Child and Gendersensitive) social protection systems Key Planned Results: Policy and legal environment for HIV-AIDS, child and gender sensitive social protection is improved. Strategic and operational plans, policies and services for Vulnerable Children (VC) that include social cash transfers and food aid reviewed and utilised UN assistance US$ 4,580,000 United Nations in Lesotho Delivering as One 35