Male midwives gain ground in Lesotho as maternal deaths remain high

In Lesotho’s remote valleys, male midwives such as Ntlhane Sehloho are stepping into roles once considered exclusive to women, aiming to reduce the nation’s high maternal mortality of roughly 530 deaths per 100,000 live births. Sehloho, who has worked as a midwife for two decades, journeys three hours on gravel roads to reach the Mpharane Health Center, where his presence eases anxieties among expectant mothers. The Ministry of Health, represented by acting director Dr. Llang Maama, emphasizes that gender should not dictate who provides delivery care, and the health system now records that 92% of births are overseen by qualified personnel, according to UNICEF.

While a minority of women still express discomfort with male attendants, the scarcity of staff in rural clinics means many accept the care offered. Advocates like Blandina Motaung of the United Nations Population Fund note that male midwives often bring a meticulous approach, potentially improving service quality. Patients such as Bonolo Tebello report satisfaction with the care received, regardless of the provider’s gender.