The official launch of the Maternal and Neonatal Health Performance Based Financing (MNH-PBF) project for the Leribe District took place on December, 11th 2014 at the grounds of Louis Gerard Health Centre in the village of Likhakeng, Leribe.

The Honourable Minister of Health Dr. Pinki Rosemary Manamolela, and the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security and Member of Parliament, the Honourable Mahala Molapo attended this memorable event. Other participants included the Principal Secretary, Director General and other Senior Officers including the Director of Performance Based Financing Unit from the Ministry of Health, representatives of WHO, UNICEF, MCDI and HealthNetTPO Head Offices, representatives from the Implementing Partners, Christian Health Association of Lesotho (CHAL), Leribe health facilities and the general public. The Leribe District Administration and Leribe Hospital Management hosted this event supported by MNH-PBF Project.

The Minister of Health delivered the keynote address in which she reiterated how Lesotho is fortunate to have gotten the opportunity to implement the Maternal and Newborn Health PBF Project, and how its results are already being seen in Quthing as services are already starting to improve; she specifically cited a few facilities that had not provided delivery services for decades, but are now equipped and offering delivery services thanks to the project. The program also included speeches by various dignitaries and poems, traditional dancing, music presented by the local communities.The highlight of the event was marked by the ribbon cutting and signing of the dummy contract by the Minister of Health, followed by signing of the actual contract by the District Administrator (DA) for Leribe. Key guests were presented with the World Bank Performance Based Financing (PBF) Toolkit as a symbol of recognition for the launch. The Nurses In charge and Chairpersons of Health Centre Committees of Leribe Health Facilities had an opportunity to witness this very special event that marked the beginning of the PBF era in Leribe District.

For more information visit the PBF at ls.thenewtechs.com