National Health Policy (NHP 2017).

The National Health Policy (NHP), 2017, aims to achieve universal health coverage by ensuring access to quality, affordable health care for all Basotho. Its focus is on health promotion, disease prevention, and the early diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, with particular emphasis on delivering the Essential Health Package efficiently. The policy prioritizes the optimal use of available health resources, strengthening public-private partnerships, reinforcing health systems, and implementing evidence-informed interventions through effective service delivery channels. Its overarching goal is to reduce morbidity and mortality and improve the overall health status of the population. The main objectives are to (i) reduce illness, death, and human suffering among Basotho, (ii) address inequalities in access to health services, and (iii) strengthen the core pillars of the health system. In addition, the Policy outlines measures to protect the environment, including promoting safe and healthy environments, ensuring food safety, personal hygiene, adequate water, sanitation, and housing, and minimizing the adverse impacts of health care waste on both the environment and public health in a sustainable manner.