Highlights
UNICEF provided support for the completed Lesotho Vulnerability Assessment Committee (LVAC), which revised the number of people requiring humanitarian assistance from 725,000+ down to 679,437.
UNICEF is reaching 69,000 of the most vulnerable children (51% girls), through its Cash Grant Top Up response, which provides relief for families in response to the food price shock during the winter months.
The rapid assessment of schools indicates that 30% of schools are in need of immediate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) support. This means there is insufficient water for over 100,000 children in all districts. Poor WASH services in schools have shown to result in low attendance and high drop-out rates.
UNICEF’s WASH interventions are progressing in Mohale’s Hoek (the most drought stricken district) with 7 community tanks installed in the most vulnerable communities. These communities will receive water tankering services, reaching an estimated 5,000 people (55% female; 41% children).
During the first week of July, construction/re-habilitation will begin on community water supply schemes in Berea, Botha Buthe and Mohale’s Hoek. This will benefit 15 most vulnerable communities, reaching 23,809 people (56% female; 45% are children).
Water purification and WASH messaging are being undertaken in Mokhotlong and Thaba Tseka reaching 80,000 people (52% female; 49% children), starting the first week of July.