UNMC student presents public health ideas to Lesotho prime minister

UNMC College of Public Health student Mamello Makhele recently presented on public health issues to the newly elected prime minister of Lesotho, her native country where her past work as a nurse-midwife earned international praise. 

Makhele, a first-year Fulbright student pursuing an MPH with a concentration in maternal and child health, was invited to speak to Prime Minister Sam Matekane and his delegation in Washington, D.C., in December. The presentation spanned topics including COVID-19, emergency preparedness and maternal health. 

She emphasized urgent public health needs, such as Lesotho’s high rates of maternal mortality, with examples from her personal and professional experiences. She said the group of government leaders listened intently and became emotional while reflecting on the challenges facing women and families in remote areas of the country.  

“The biggest issue in Lesotho is health because it is really failing,” Makhele said. “Maternal mortality, gender-based violence, mental health — these are unspoken truths that nobody wants to talk about. When you talk about these issues, the unspoken truths that people face each day, it is an emotional topic for everyone.” 

She credits studying at UNMC, especially learning about how public health policies are implemented in practice, with preparing her for the unique opportunity. Chad Abresch, PhD, assistant professor and division chief for child health policy in the UNMC College of Medicine, has been especially influential, she said. 

Dr. Abresch said Makhele has an “unrelenting drive” and deep care for others. She was a standout student in his Foundations of Maternal and Child Health course, which he said aims “to spark a passion area within the field and allow that passion to grow.”  

“Mamello was a rare student, entering the course with her passion area already firmly established,” Dr. Abresch said. “In fact, I do not believe it will ever be possible for anything to stop her from pursuing this work. I am fully convinced she will have a positive impact and be a global champion for this important cause.” 

Before joining UNMC, Makhele worked for three years as a nurse-midwife in rural Lesotho, where there are high rates of maternal mortality. She traveled on foot and by donkey through the Maloti Mountains to provide women and families with medical and maternal care, contraceptives and other resources. This work earned her major recognition from Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates, who named her one of his “Heroes in the Field” in 2022.  

Makhele said she remains in contact with the prime minister’s office following her presentation. One of her career aspirations is to lead the development and implementation of public health policies throughout Lesotho. 

“One thing I appreciated about (the prime minister) was that he was taking notes and actively listening,” she said. “Even after the presentation, he kept thanking me and giving his appreciation. It is important because this is not a one-person job. It’s not about him only. It’s about us as well and how we can give back to our own community.”