06/02/2026
๐๐ฒ๐๐ผ๐๐ต๐ผ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ธ๐ ๐ช๐ผ๐ฟ๐น๐ฑ ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐
On Wednesday, 4 February, the World Health Organization (WHO) joined the Government of Lesotho and partners in Maseru District to commemorate World Cancer Day 2026 under the global theme, โUnited by Unique.โ
The theme reminds us that every cancer journey matters. Each personโs experience is different, and responding effectively means listening to their stories, understanding their needs, and ensuring compassionate, equitable, and peopleโcentred cancer care for all.
Speaking during the commemoration, the Minister of Health, represented by Dr. Mahlompho Tiiti Moleko, Director of Disease Control, urged Basotho to maintain healthy lifestyles, including regular physical activity and timely cancer screening. While prevention remains the most costโeffective longโterm strategy, the Minister emphasized that early detection and effective management are equally critical to reducing cancerโrelated deaths.
Representing the WHO Representative, WHO Health Promotion Officer Thato Mzakaza highlighted that evidence shows 30โ50 percent of cancer deaths can be prevented by reducing key risk factors such as to***co use, harmful alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, untreated chronic infections, and exposure to air pollution.
Globally, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death, with 20 million new cases and nearly 10 million deaths each year. Yet many cancers, when detected early and treated effectively, can be prevented or cured.
The event brought together health practitioners, students, and partners, including Baylor, EGPAF, Starlight Oasis of Hope Foundation, and Elite Path, reaffirming a shared commitment to reducing the cancer burden in Lesotho.
