Starlight Oasis of Hope Hospice is currently constructing Lesotho’s first palliative care facility, dedicated to providing compassionate and dignified care to patients with complex health conditions such as cancer, end-stage kidney disease, hypertension, and stroke.
In this interview with theReporter’s ‘Mantšali Phakoana, Starlight founder ‘Malichaba Tebello Lepheane shares the inspiration behind the facility, her experience in palliative care in the United Kingdom, and the critical role of community support in sustaining the centre.
What motivated you to found Starlight Oasis of Hope Hospice?
As a veteran nurse with 34 years of experience in both Lesotho and overseas, I felt compelled to establish Starlight Oasis of Hope Hospice to provide cancer and renal failure patients, as well as their families, with the dignity, respect, and compassionate care they deserve during their most difficult times. The hospice also seeks to bridge the gaps in cancer care services in the country.
The establishment of this initiative marks a significant milestone in Lesotho’s healthcare landscape. I am incredibly proud to be at the forefront of this development, ensuring that individuals and families affected by life-limiting illnesses receive the highest quality of palliative and hospice care.
How did you identify the need for a palliative care facility in Lesotho?
My experience working as a nurse in the UK exposed me to the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach to palliative care. This inspired me to replicate that model in Lesotho, where healthcare and social welfare professionals can collaborate to support patients and their loved ones during the most challenging times.
Having witnessed first-hand how such facilities operate, I recognized the urgent need for compassionate, holistic care in Lesotho, particularly for those facing complex health issues. Many people in our country suffer without access to the necessary support, and this realization fuelled my commitment to establishing this facility.
Can you tell us more about the process of establishing the palliative care facility?
The construction of the palliative care facility in Maqhaka is well underway, with civil works largely complete. However, challenges such as seasonal rains and my geographical distance from the site have affected progress. Despite these obstacles, we remain confident that the facility will be operational by the end of the year, offering much-needed relief and hope to Basotho in need of quality palliative care. My team and I continue to work diligently, ensuring that the contractors receive the support and resources required to complete the project.
How will the facility help bridge the gap in palliative care services in Lesotho?
By working closely with the Ministry of Health, we aim to provide a comprehensive range of care services, including pain relief, symptom management, psychotherapy, and spiritual support. Through our day-care centre in Maqhaka, patients will have access to individualized care tailored to their specific needs, helping to ease their suffering and improve their quality of life.
Palliative care focuses on addressing patients’ physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs. The facility will also provide financial support to families facing the burden of debilitating illnesses through collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development. By raising awareness, we hope to foster a more compassionate and supportive healthcare system in Lesotho.
What special considerations have you made in designing the facility for cancer patients?
Early detection and screening will be key in improving patient outcomes. Palliative care is not just about managing symptoms but also about enhancing patients’ overall well-being. We aim to provide emotional and spiritual support to families while demonstrating the transformative impact of holistic palliative care in Lesotho.
What features and amenities will be available at the facility?
The facility will offer comprehensive services, starting with patient consultations to assess individual needs. Services will include wound care, medication management, psychotherapy, and social support. A multidisciplinary team—including nurses, pharmacists, social workers, physiotherapists, and clergy—will ensure each patient receives holistic, individualized care.
Beyond the facility, our team will conduct home visits to provide services such as medication reviews, wound dressing, and counseling. This approach will allow patients to receive high-quality care in the comfort of their homes.
How will the facility be sustained financially in the long term?
Currently, the facility is supported by generous sponsors, including Standard Lesotho Bank, which has contributed M1.9 million to the construction of Phase 1. For long-term sustainability, we plan to collaborate with the Ministry of Health to showcase the positive impact of our holistic, interdisciplinary approach to palliative care.
As patient numbers grow, ongoing financial support will be crucial to maintaining a skilled workforce and covering operational costs. Additional funding will be needed for medical equipment and staff salaries.
What training programs are in place to equip healthcare workers for palliative care?
We are committed to strengthening palliative care education in Lesotho. Through partnerships with hospitals and nursing colleges, we aim to integrate palliative care into their curricula, ensuring future healthcare providers develop the empathy and collaborative skills necessary to meet patients’ diverse needs.
Once completed, the facility will employ over 30 professionals in its initial phase, with additional staff hired as the project expands. We are also working with the Ministry of Health to explore sustainable financial models for staffing and operations.
What message do you have for the nation?
The patients who will benefit from this facility are our friends, brothers, sisters, and fellow Basotho. I encourage everyone to support this initiative—whether through time, resources, or expertise—so that we can provide those facing life-limiting illnesses with the love, care, and dignity they deserve. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a real difference in their lives and in the future of palliative care in Lesotho.
