UNIFIED
NATIONS

Every life matters. The work is urgent.

OUR GREAT WORK
IS NOT OVER.

Zero suicide. Zero needless suffering. Zero poverty.
Every country still has work to do.

Find the work we can do now ↓
Next death · average-rate clock18:13.83minutes:seconds remaining in this repeating cycle

One death every 1,093.82 seconds on average.

EVERY LIFE COUNTSAverage-rate illustration
Not a live report
Next suicide · average-rate clock16:22:00.42hours:minutes:seconds remaining in this repeating cycle

One death every 58,920.42 seconds on average.

EVERY LIFE COUNTSAverage-rate illustration
Not a live report
Published average intervals; enable JavaScript for repeating countdowns.

Lesotho · WHO 2023 · 1/1 countries. Annual totals ÷ seconds in the source year set the rate. These are illustrative averages, not real-time death reports or predictions. The death clock includes all causes, including deaths that cannot currently be prevented. Sources & calculation ↗

World dashboard / Lesotho

Sub-Saharan Africa · UN member

LesothoLSOA healthier future.

Lesotho’s health dashboard connects the latest available evidence with a shared horizon: zero suicide, zero needless suffering, zero poverty, and longer healthy lives.

North-star health score · v2—

Required recent goal or foundation data missing

Life expectancy57.8

Years · 2024

Healthy life expectancy47.9

Years · 2023

Indicator coverage50 / 52

Dated numerical series · 1 source-context notes.

Inspect Lesotho’s score components

Version 2 is a deliberately demanding editorial measure of distance to the north stars, not an official WHO/UN index or the percentage of people who are healthy. Strong services cannot cancel out ongoing suicide, health loss, or extreme poverty. At least 9 of 12 core measures and all three recent zero-harm inputs are required. Missing inputs suppress the final score, rather than implying success. Health loss is a proxy broader than avoidable suffering; the $3.00/day measure covers extreme poverty, not every form of deprivation. Lower scores under this new method are a recalibration, not evidence of deterioration.

MeasureYearValueFoundation component score
Life expectancy202457.819.5
Under-five mortality20246040
Maternal mortality20234784.4
Suicide mortality202128.70
Premature chronic-disease mortality202136.30
Tuberculosis incidence20245480
Child stunting202435.628.8
Essential health-service coverage20235555
DTP immunization20248686
Safely managed drinking water202431.331.3
Safely managed sanitation202443.843.8
Fine-particle air pollution202326.461
Zero suicide

23.16 deaths per 100,000 people · 2023

Score multiplier ×0.178
Zero needless suffering

0.677 DALYs per person; health-loss proxy · 2023

Score multiplier ×0.129
Zero poverty

Recent comparable input missing

Final score withheld

A deliberately demanding measure of distance to the goals. Version 2 changes the method, not the underlying observations. Health loss is not all needless suffering; the poverty input measures extreme poverty. See the formula and limits ↗

Explore 52 indicators ↓The action agenda ↗

The human stakes

More life.
Less suffering.

Choose a reduction in the measured annual burden. This is a transparent scenario, not a forecast that completing a checklist will deliver it.

0%50%100% theoretical ceiling
Annual deaths avoided7.2K

Of 28.8K deaths in the covered population.

Years of life restored325.8K

Years lost to premature mortality (YLL).

Health loss diminished65.5K

Disability-weighted years (YLD), a health-loss measure.

Healthy life-years reclaimed391.2K

YLL + YLD = DALYs. 4.9K equivalent 80-year healthy lifetimes.

Lesotho · 2023

WHO modeled all-cause estimates; same release and reference year. These four measures overlap and must not be added. DALYs quantify health loss, not every form of suffering. An equivalent lifetime is a unit conversion, not a person saved. All-cause deaths include deaths that cannot currently be prevented; 100% is an arithmetic ceiling.

See the calculation and its limits ↗

Lesotho · the evidence

The trends.
The north stars.

Mint traces measured observations. Gold marks numerical goals. Lines connect available observations, which can be years apart. Non-numerical goals are explained in each card. Historical figures, model caveats and source-backed status notes stay visible. A gap is an invitation to improve measurement.

52 indicators

outcomes2024

Life expectancy

57.8 years
96.137.1GOAL 9020002024
North star

90 years of life, with health and dignity

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Expected lifespan at birth under the year’s mortality patterns.

Source, limitations & data

Period measure, not a prediction for an individual. National averages conceal inequalities.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SP.DYN.LE00.IN ↗

Life expectancy observations for Lesotho
Yearyears
202457.8
202357.4
202256.8
202154.2
202055.1
201955.2
201854.6
201753.9
201652.9
201551.8
201450.8
201349.5
201248.2
201146.9
201046
200945.1
200844.3
200743.7
200643.2
200543.6
200444
200344.9
200246
200147.2
200048.8
burden2023

Healthy life expectancy

47.9 years
85.333.9GOAL 8020002023
North star

80 years lived in full health

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Expected years lived in full health at birth under current mortality and morbidity patterns.

Source, limitations & data

Modeled HALE estimates incorporate severity weights. This is not a measure of happiness or all suffering.

World Health Organization · WHOSIS_000002 ↗

Healthy life expectancy observations for Lesotho
Yearyears
202347.9
202248.1
202144.7
202046.7
201946.4
201846.1
201745.6
201644.8
201544
201443.8
201344
201244
201144
201043.6
200942.7
200841.5
200740.3
200639.2
200539.4
200440.3
200341.7
200243.4
200143.7
200043.3
outcomes2024

Under-five mortality

60 per 1,000 live births
129.60GOAL 020002024
North star

Zero preventable child deaths

Unified Nations aspirational north star

SDG 2030: at most 25 per 1,000 · Interim target ↗

Probability of dying before age five, per 1,000 live births.

Source, limitations & data

Modeled UN inter-agency estimate. Infant and neonatal deaths are included; never add these counts.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.DYN.MORT ↗

Under-five mortality observations for Lesotho
Yearper 1,000 live births
202460
202361.3
202262
202164
202066.3
201968.1
201868.8
201770.1
201671.4
201575.1
201477.6
201379.3
201281.4
201185.2
201090.9
200999.1
2008111.6
2007111.9
2006114.7
2005114.6
2004113.9
2003113.2
2002112.1
2001110.3
2000108.3
outcomes2024

Infant mortality

56.3 per 1,000 live births
94.80GOAL 020002024
North star

Zero preventable infant deaths

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Probability of dying before age one, per 1,000 live births.

Source, limitations & data

A subset of under-five mortality; not additive with child or neonatal deaths.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SP.DYN.IMRT.IN ↗

Infant mortality observations for Lesotho
Yearper 1,000 live births
202456.3
202358.4
202259.9
202161.1
202062.1
201963.5
201865.2
201768
201668.2
201569
201470.3
201371.4
201271
201170.9
201073.6
200977.6
200883.9
200779
200679.6
200578.9
200477.8
200377.1
200276.4
200175.5
200074.8
outcomes2024

Neonatal mortality

28.5 per 1,000 live births
43.70GOAL 020002024
North star

Zero preventable newborn deaths

Unified Nations aspirational north star

SDG 2030: at most 12 per 1,000 · Interim target ↗

Deaths in the first 28 days of life per 1,000 live births.

Source, limitations & data

A subset of infant and under-five mortality; these are overlapping categories.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.DYN.NMRT ↗

Neonatal mortality observations for Lesotho
Yearper 1,000 live births
202428.5
202329.1
202229.7
202130.2
202030.8
201931.4
201832.1
201732.8
201633.5
201534.1
201434.7
201335.2
201235.6
201136
201036.6
200937.2
200837.8
200738.3
200638.6
200538.7
200438.6
200338.3
200238
200137.5
200037.1
outcomes2023

Maternal mortality

478 per 100,000 live births
1.6K0GOAL 020002023
North star

Zero preventable maternal deaths

Unified Nations aspirational north star

SDG 2030 global ratio: below 70 · Interim target ↗

Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.

Source, limitations & data

Modeled estimate with uncertainty. The denominator is births, not total population.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.STA.MMRT ↗

Maternal mortality observations for Lesotho
Yearper 100,000 live births
2023478
2022477
2021577
2020529
2019467
2018491
2017468
2016518
2015594
2014707
2013855
20121,000
20111,210
20101,311
20091,387
20081,205
2007891
2006696
2005549
2004499
2003508
2002484
2001465
2000413
outcomes2021

Suicide mortality

28.7 per 100,000 people
37.70GOAL 020002021
North star

Zero suicide deaths

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Estimated suicide deaths in a year per 100,000 population.

Source, limitations & data

WHO modeled crude rate, not age-standardized. Reporting and classification differ; lower reported rates can reflect undercounting.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.STA.SUIC.P5 ↗

Suicide mortality observations for Lesotho
Yearper 100,000 people
202128.7
202033.4
201928.8
201827.9
201726.1
201626.7
201527.9
201428
201324.1
201221.7
201127.3
201026
200915.8
200816.4
200721.4
200619
200517.2
200415.5
200314.8
200212.6
200111.4
200012.7
outcomes2019

Road-traffic mortality

31.9 per 100,000 people
48.10GOAL 020002019
North star

Zero deaths and serious injuries on the roads

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Estimated annual deaths from road-traffic injuries per 100,000 population.

Source, limitations & data

Population-based WHO rate, not deaths per distance travelled.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.STA.TRAF.P5 ↗

Road-traffic mortality observations for Lesotho
Yearper 100,000 people
201931.9
201831.6
201742.6
201630.8
201530.1
201429.5
201328.8
201228.5
201127.4
201027.7
200927.7
200827.6
200727.8
200627.8
200527.6
200427.2
200328.1
200228
200127.1
200027
outcomes2008

Intentional homicide

38.2 per 100,000 people

Historical evidence · 2008. No recent observation is available in this snapshot.

51.80GOAL 020072008
North star

Zero intentional homicides

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 people.

Source, limitations & data

UNODC-based estimates. Reporting and conflict-death definitions vary.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · VC.IHR.PSRC.P5 ↗

Intentional homicide observations for Lesotho
Yearper 100,000 people
200838.2
200745.8
outcomes2021

Premature chronic-disease mortality

36.3 % probability ages 30–70
42.90GOAL 020002021
North star

End avoidable premature deaths from major chronic diseases

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Probability of dying between ages 30 and 70 from cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease.

Source, limitations & data

Not a death rate or all chronic diseases. Cannot multiply by population to produce annual deaths.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.DYN.NCOM.ZS ↗

Premature chronic-disease mortality observations for Lesotho
Year% probability ages 30–70
202136.3
202037.5
201936.9
201836.9
201736.9
201638
201538
201436.5
201333.3
201231.4
201135.2
201034.5
200929.2
200829.7
200731.2
200630.4
200528.9
200426.3
200325.6
200223.6
200122.7
200023.6
burden2023

Healthy life-years lost

1,564,865 healthy life-years
2.1M0GOAL 020002023
North star

Minimize avoidable health loss; zero is an aspirational horizon

Unified Nations aspirational north star

DALYs combine years lost to premature mortality and severity-weighted years of nonfatal health loss.

Source, limitations & data

DALY = YLL + YLD. A burden baseline, not proof that all loss can be avoided; not an estimate of all human suffering.

World Health Organization, Global Health Estimates 2023 (2026 release) · GHE 2023 ↗

Healthy life-years lost observations for Lesotho
Yearhealthy life-years
20231,564,865
20221,535,447
20211,816,513
20201,620,057
20191,646,933
20151,793,237
20101,748,662
20001,798,721
burden2023

Life-years lost to premature death

1,303,000 life-years
1.8M0GOAL 020002023
North star

Minimize avoidable health loss; zero is an aspirational horizon

Unified Nations aspirational north star

WHO years of life lost (YLL) relative to its reference life table.

Source, limitations & data

Different from number of people dying; one death can account for many life-years.

World Health Organization, Global Health Estimates 2023 (2026 release) · GHE 2023 ↗

Life-years lost to premature death observations for Lesotho
Yearlife-years
20231,303,000
20221,272,334
20211,553,397
20201,367,934
20191,407,792
20151,559,592
20101,529,899
20001,592,988
burden2023

Years of nonfatal health loss

261,865 healthy life-years
297.3K0GOAL 020002023
North star

Minimize avoidable health loss; zero is an aspirational horizon

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Severity-weighted years lived with disease or disability (YLD), adjusted for comorbidity by the source.

Source, limitations & data

A health-loss proxy, not a valuation of people with disabilities or a direct measure of distress, poverty, or all suffering.

World Health Organization, Global Health Estimates 2023 (2026 release) · GHE 2023 ↗

Years of nonfatal health loss observations for Lesotho
Yearhealthy life-years
2023261,865
2022263,113
2021263,116
2020252,123
2019239,141
2015233,646
2010218,762
2000205,733
outcomes2023

All-cause deaths

28,831 deaths
37.1K27.9K20002023
North star

Prevent avoidable deaths and extend healthy life

Contextual north star; no universal numerical optimum

WHO estimated all-cause deaths in the reference year.

Source, limitations & data

Deaths are a baseline; no programme can be assumed to eliminate all mortality.

World Health Organization, Global Health Estimates 2023 (2026 release) · GHE 2023 ↗

All-cause deaths observations for Lesotho
Yeardeaths
202328,831
202228,816
202136,153
202031,210
201930,432
201533,671
201032,369
200031,879
outcomes2023

Suicide deaths

535 deaths
604.80GOAL 020002023
North star

Zero suicide deaths

Unified Nations aspirational north star

WHO estimated deaths from intentional self-harm, both sexes and all ages.

Source, limitations & data

Modeled cause-specific estimate; reporting and classification can undercount suicide. Included in all-cause deaths; never add it again.

World Health Organization, Global Health Estimates 2023 (2026 release) · GHE 2023 ↗

Suicide deaths observations for Lesotho
Yeardeaths
2023535
2022519
2021513
2020503
2019480
2015422
2010413
2000313
burden2023

Depressive-disorder health loss

13,184 healthy life-years
14.9K0GOAL 020002023
North star

Minimize avoidable health loss; zero is an aspirational horizon

Unified Nations aspirational north star

WHO severity-weighted years of nonfatal health loss from depressive disorders.

Source, limitations & data

Modeled YLD, not case counts or direct distress. Included in total YLD; do not add to the all-cause total.

World Health Organization, Global Health Estimates 2023 (2026 release) · GHE 2023 ↗

Depressive-disorder health loss observations for Lesotho
Yearhealthy life-years
202313,184
202212,470
202112,334
202012,184
20199,025
20158,991
20108,418
20008,121
burden2023

Anxiety-disorder health loss

17,752 healthy life-years
20.1K0GOAL 020002023
North star

Minimize avoidable health loss; zero is an aspirational horizon

Unified Nations aspirational north star

WHO severity-weighted years of nonfatal health loss from anxiety disorders.

Source, limitations & data

Modeled YLD, not case counts. Included in total YLD; do not add to the all-cause total.

World Health Organization, Global Health Estimates 2023 (2026 release) · GHE 2023 ↗

Anxiety-disorder health loss observations for Lesotho
Yearhealthy life-years
202317,752
202214,500
202113,906
202012,806
20199,667
20158,084
20107,029
20007,273
burden2023

Alcohol-disorder health loss

3,678 healthy life-years
4.2K0GOAL 020002023
North star

Minimize avoidable health loss; zero is an aspirational horizon

Unified Nations aspirational north star

WHO severity-weighted years of nonfatal health loss from alcohol use disorders.

Source, limitations & data

Modeled YLD. Alcohol-related injuries and other disease burdens sit in other categories; included in total YLD.

World Health Organization, Global Health Estimates 2023 (2026 release) · GHE 2023 ↗

Alcohol-disorder health loss observations for Lesotho
Yearhealthy life-years
20233,678
20223,595
20213,537
20203,500
20193,460
20153,322
20103,052
20002,845
burden2023

Drug-disorder health loss

1,683 healthy life-years
1.9K0GOAL 020002023
North star

Minimize avoidable health loss; zero is an aspirational horizon

Unified Nations aspirational north star

WHO severity-weighted years of nonfatal health loss from drug use disorders.

Source, limitations & data

Modeled YLD, not overdose deaths. Included in total YLD; do not add to the all-cause total.

World Health Organization, Global Health Estimates 2023 (2026 release) · GHE 2023 ↗

Drug-disorder health loss observations for Lesotho
Yearhealthy life-years
20231,683
20221,656
20211,626
20201,603
20191,598
20151,528
20101,402
20001,254
disease2024

Tuberculosis incidence

548 per 100,000 people
1.4K0GOAL 020002024
North star

End tuberculosis

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Estimated new and relapsed tuberculosis cases per 100,000 population.

Source, limitations & data

WHO modeled incidence includes uncertainty; not the number of reported diagnoses.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.TBS.INCD ↗

Tuberculosis incidence observations for Lesotho
Yearper 100,000 people
2024548
2023584
2022611
2021606
2020599
2019654
2018659
2017681
2016721
2015780
2014853
2013948
20121,040
20111,120
20101,180
20091,230
20081,240
20071,230
20061,230
20051,200
20041,150
20031,080
20021,010
2001923
2000827
disease2024

New HIV infections

3.1 per 1,000 uninfected ages 15–49
35.40GOAL 020002024
North star

Zero new HIV infections

Unified Nations aspirational north star

New HIV infections among uninfected adults ages 15–49.

Source, limitations & data

Denominator is uninfected adults in this age group, not the whole population.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.HIV.INCD.ZS ↗

New HIV infections observations for Lesotho
Yearper 1,000 uninfected ages 15–49
20243.1
20233.7
20223.9
20215.2
20206.5
20197.3
20188.3
201710.1
201613
201516.4
201418.6
201320.2
201220.9
201121.8
201022.9
200925
200826.3
200727.6
200628.1
200527.9
200427.9
200328.4
200228.4
200129.7
200031.3
diseaseSOURCE CONTEXT

Malaria incidence

— per 1,000 at risk
○

No applicable national at-risk incidence rate was found. Non-relevant source zeros and malaria-free status are not treated as numerical incidence estimates.

North star

End malaria

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Estimated new malaria cases per 1,000 people at risk.

Source, limitations & data

At-risk population differs from total population. No observation is not zero or proof of elimination.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.MLR.INCD.P3 ↗

Coverage reviewed 2026-10-06. See the source audit and remaining gaps ↗

Malaria incidence observations for Lesotho
Yearper 1,000 at risk
disease2024

Diabetes prevalence

6.2 % ages 20–79
6.6320112024
North star

Prevent avoidable diabetes and support everyone living with it

Contextual north star; no universal numerical optimum

Share of adults ages 20–79 living with diabetes.

Source, limitations & data

A modeled prevalence estimate; diagnosis, treatment, and control matter alongside prevention.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.STA.DIAB.ZS ↗

Diabetes prevalence observations for Lesotho
Year% ages 20–79
20246.2
20113.4
disease2024

Tobacco use

28 % adults 15+
31.60GOAL 020002024
North star

A tobacco-free future

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Age-standardized prevalence of current tobacco use in adults.

Source, limitations & data

Includes smoked and smokeless tobacco as defined by the source; a modeled estimate.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.PRV.SMOK ↗

Tobacco use observations for Lesotho
Year% adults 15+
202428
202327.9
202227.7
202027.6
201527.1
201026.6
200726.5
200526.4
200026.4
disease2020

Alcohol consumption

4.3 litres pure alcohol per adult 15+
4.72.820002020
North star

Minimize alcohol-related harm

Contextual north star; no universal numerical optimum

Annual total alcohol consumption per person age 15+.

Source, limitations & data

WHO modeled/projected estimate includes recorded and estimated unrecorded consumption, adjusted for tourism; not a measure of distribution or dependence.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.ALC.PCAP.LI ↗

Alcohol consumption observations for Lesotho
Yearlitres pure alcohol per adult 15+
20204.3
20194.5
20184.5
20174.1
20163.4
20153.3
20143.2
20133
20123
20113.1
20103.4
20093.6
20083.8
20073.7
20063.7
20053.7
20043.7
20033.7
20023.7
20013.8
20003.8
disease2024

Child stunting

35.6 % children under 5
50.50GOAL 020042024
North star

Zero child stunting

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Children under five with low height for age relative to the WHO growth standard.

Source, limitations & data

Survey and modeled series vary; reflects cumulative deprivation, not every cause of poor nutrition.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.STA.STNT.ZS ↗

Child stunting observations for Lesotho
Year% children under 5
202435.6
201834.6
201433.4
200939.3
200444.7
disease2024

Child wasting

1.6 % children under 5
6.30GOAL 020042024
North star

Zero child wasting

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Children under five with low weight for height relative to the WHO growth standard.

Source, limitations & data

Sparse household surveys; a national observation can miss local or seasonal emergencies.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.STA.WAST.ZS ↗

Child wasting observations for Lesotho
Year% children under 5
20241.6
20182.1
20142.8
20093.8
20045.6
diseaseDATA GAP

Undernourishment

— % of population
○

No comparable national observation was found in the checked source feeds. Missing data is not zero.

North star

Zero hunger

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Share of people with insufficient dietary energy intake.

Source, limitations & data

FAO modeled estimate; values below 2.5% may be censored in source presentation.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SN.ITK.DEFC.ZS ↗

Coverage reviewed 2026-10-06. See the source audit and remaining gaps ↗

Undernourishment observations for Lesotho
Year% of population
care2023

Essential health-service coverage

55 index 0–100
10922GOAL 10020002023
North star

Universal access to essential health services

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Universal health coverage service coverage index across essential health services.

Source, limitations & data

A tracer-service index, not a claim that every person receives care or financial protection.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH_UHC_SCI ↗

Essential health-service coverage observations for Lesotho
Yearindex 0–100
202355
202255
202155
202055
201953
201855
201757
201656
201555
201453
201352
201249
201147
201044
200943
200842
200741
200639
200537
200435
200333
200232
200132
200031
care2024

DTP immunization

86 % children ages 12–23 months
102.776.3GOAL 10020002024
North star

Every child protected by routine vaccination

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Share of children ages 12–23 months receiving three doses of DTP vaccine.

Source, limitations & data

Coverage does not measure every vaccine, timeliness, or equitable access.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.IMM.IDPT ↗

DTP immunization observations for Lesotho
Year% children ages 12–23 months
202486
202390
202292
202195
202093
201992
201890
201789
201687
201583
201488
201393
201295
201196
201093
200991
200888
200788
200689
200589
200490
200390
200285
200179
200084
care2024

Measles immunization

90 % children ages 12–23 months
103.966.1GOAL 10020002024
North star

Every child protected against measles

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Share of children ages 12–23 months receiving a measles vaccine.

Source, limitations & data

One vaccine-dose indicator, not proof of community immunity or complete schedules.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.IMM.MEAS ↗

Measles immunization observations for Lesotho
Year% children ages 12–23 months
202490
202376
202284
202190
202090
201990
201889
201789
201690
201593
201492
201390
201291
201192
201088
200984
200880
200781
200682
200583
200484
200385
200278
200170
200074
care2018

Skilled birth attendance

86.6 % of births
106.741.4GOAL 10020002018
North star

Every birth supported by skilled, respectful care

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Births attended by skilled health personnel.

Source, limitations & data

Presence of a skilled attendant does not establish quality, emergency access, or respectful care.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.STA.BRTC.ZS ↗

Skilled birth attendance observations for Lesotho
Year% of births
201886.6
201477.9
200961.5
200555.4
200455.4
200048.1
care2024

Adolescent birth rate

69.6 births per 1,000 women ages 15–19
92.666.920002024
North star

Prevent unintended adolescent pregnancy and support young parents

Contextual north star; no universal numerical optimum

Births per 1,000 women ages 15–19.

Source, limitations & data

Births alone do not establish intention or agency; reproductive choice and access to care matter.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SP.ADO.TFRT ↗

Adolescent birth rate observations for Lesotho
Yearbirths per 1,000 women ages 15–19
202469.6
202370.6
202271.8
202173
202074.1
201976.6
201880
201784.3
201685.8
201583.9
201485.6
201388.4
201287.4
201185.2
201084.1
200986.8
200890
200789.9
200685.6
200582.8
200480.4
200382.5
200280.3
200179.2
200077.6
care2023

Current health expenditure

12.6 % of GDP
24.22.420002023
North star

Affordable, effective care with fair financial protection

Contextual north star; no universal numerical optimum

Current health expenditure as a share of GDP.

Source, limitations & data

More spending is not automatically better outcomes; excludes capital expenditure.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS ↗

Current health expenditure observations for Lesotho
Year% of GDP
202312.6
202212.9
202110.7
202010.4
201921.9
201811.1
201710.5
20169.2
20159.3
201410
201311
201210
20119
20107.4
20099
20087.7
20077.2
20065.4
20054.7
20045.2
20035.3
20025.9
20016.6
20005.2
care2023

Out-of-pocket health costs

13.2 % of health expenditure
43.93.120002023
North star

No one pushed into hardship by the cost of care

Contextual north star; no universal numerical optimum

Out-of-pocket spending as a share of current health expenditure.

Source, limitations & data

Not the share of household income spent on health, and not a direct catastrophic-spending measure.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.XPD.OOPC.CH.ZS ↗

Out-of-pocket health costs observations for Lesotho
Year% of health expenditure
202313.2
202212.8
202114.7
202016
20197.3
201814.5
201715.8
201615.8
201515.6
201414.2
201313.9
201216.9
201118.8
201023.5
200919.7
200822
200724.1
200630
200534.4
200431.5
200332.5
200230.1
200128.4
200039.7
care2022

Physician availability

0.2 per 1,000 people
0.511020032022
North star

Timely access to qualified health professionals

Contextual north star; no universal numerical optimum

Number of physicians per 1,000 population.

Source, limitations & data

Counts can combine practicing or registered staff depending on country; distribution and quality matter.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.MED.PHYS.ZS ↗

Physician availability observations for Lesotho
Yearper 1,000 people
20220.2
20180.5
20100.1
2003<0.1
care2022

Nurses & midwives

1.8 per 1,000 people
3.50.23120032022
North star

Adequate nursing and midwifery care everywhere

Contextual north star; no universal numerical optimum

Nursing and midwifery personnel per 1,000 population.

Source, limitations & data

Country reporting and occupational coverage differ; national density conceals shortages.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.MED.NUMW.P3 ↗

Nurses & midwives observations for Lesotho
Yearper 1,000 people
20221.8
20183.1
20100.7
20030.6
environment2024

Safely managed drinking water

31.3 % of population
111.90GOAL 10020002024
North star

Safe drinking water for everyone

Unified Nations aspirational north star

People using drinking water that is on premises, available when needed, and free from contamination.

Source, limitations & data

WHO/UNICEF JMP estimate. Missing safely managed data must not be substituted silently with basic access.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.H2O.SMDW.ZS ↗

Safely managed drinking water observations for Lesotho
Year% of population
202431.3
202330.4
202229.4
202128.5
202027.5
201926.6
201825.7
201724.8
201623.9
201523.1
201422.2
201321.3
201220.4
201119.4
201018.4
200917.4
200816.4
200715.4
200614.4
200513.4
200412.4
200311.5
200210.5
20019.6
20008.7
environment2024

Safely managed sanitation

43.8 % of population
111.31.6GOAL 10020002024
North star

Safe sanitation for everyone

Unified Nations aspirational north star

People using improved, unshared sanitation with safe disposal or treatment of excreta.

Source, limitations & data

WHO/UNICEF JMP estimate. Basic sanitation is a separate, less stringent measure.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.STA.SMSS.ZS ↗

Safely managed sanitation observations for Lesotho
Year% of population
202443.8
202342.8
202241.8
202140.8
202039.7
201938.7
201837.6
201736.4
201635.2
201533.9
201432.6
201331.3
201230
201128.6
201027.3
200925.9
200824.6
200723.2
200621.8
200520.4
200418.9
200317.4
200216
200114.4
200012.9
environment2024

Handwashing facilities

20.9 % of population
1130GOAL 10020082024
North star

Soap, water, and hygiene access for everyone

Unified Nations aspirational north star

People with a handwashing facility with soap and water at home.

Source, limitations & data

Limited survey coverage; presence does not establish consistent use.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SH.STA.HYGN.ZS ↗

Handwashing facilities observations for Lesotho
Year% of population
202420.9
202318.9
202217
202115.1
202013.1
201911.2
20189.3
20177.4
20165.5
20153.6
20141.7
20131
20120.4
20110.4
20100.4
20090.4
20080.4
environment2023

Fine-particle air pollution

26.4 µg/m³
37.21.3GOAL 520002023
North star

WHO guideline: annual PM2.5 at most 5 µg/m³

WHO air-quality guideline · Target source ↗

Population-weighted annual mean exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

Source, limitations & data

Modeled national exposure. Local hotspots and personal exposure differ.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · EN.ATM.PM25.MC.M3 ↗

Fine-particle air pollution observations for Lesotho
Yearµg/m³
202326.4
202230.8
202127.1
202027.1
201925.9
201827.4
201728.6
201624.3
201526.9
201425.5
201327
201227.1
201130.4
201033.5
200930.2
200829.5
200730.1
200628.2
200524.2
200424.3
200326.6
200229.6
200129.4
200028.5
environment2023

Clean cooking access

53.8 % of population
110.95GOAL 10020002023
North star

Clean cooking without harmful household smoke

Unified Nations aspirational north star

People with access to clean fuels and technologies for cooking.

Source, limitations & data

Primary reliance as defined by WHO; access does not guarantee affordability or exclusive use.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · EG.CFT.ACCS.ZS ↗

Clean cooking access observations for Lesotho
Year% of population
202353.8
202251.8
202149.8
202048.1
201946.2
201844.4
201742.6
201640.8
201539.1
201437.5
201335.9
201234.3
201132.8
201031.3
200929.8
200828.2
200726.6
200625.3
200523.6
200422.1
200320.5
200219
200117.6
200015.9
environment2024

Electricity access

60.6 % of population
112.80GOAL 10020002024
North star

Reliable, affordable electricity for everyone

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Share of people with access to electricity.

Source, limitations & data

Connection alone does not measure reliability, affordability or clean generation.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS ↗

Electricity access observations for Lesotho
Year% of population
202460.6
202357.3
202250
202150.4
202047.5
201944.6
201847
201733.7
201635.1
201531.8
201427.8
201326.9
201220.6
201122.5
201017
200917
200816
200713.9
20069.7
20059.6
20046.8
20035.4
20023.4
20011.3
20004.3
opportunity2017

Extreme poverty

41.9 % of population

Historical evidence · 2017. No recent observation is available in this snapshot.

84.60GOAL 020022017
North star

Zero extreme poverty

Unified Nations aspirational north star

People living on less than $3.00 a day at 2021 purchasing-power-parity prices.

Source, limitations & data

Survey-based; line and PPP base change across releases. The source metadata gives the exact current definition.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SI.POV.DDAY ↗

Extreme poverty observations for Lesotho
Year% of population
201741.9
200274.9
opportunity2025

Unemployment

16.3 % of labor force
18.715.420002025
North star

Decent work for everyone who wants it

Contextual north star; no universal numerical optimum

People without work who are available and seeking work; ILO modeled estimate.

Source, limitations & data

Excludes people outside the labor force and does not establish job quality.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS ↗

Unemployment observations for Lesotho
Year% of labor force
202516.3
202416.3
202316.3
202216.6
202118.2
202018.4
201916.9
201816.6
201716.4
201616.1
201516.2
201416.1
201315.9
201215.8
201116.1
201016.1
200916.1
200815.9
200715.9
200616.1
200516
200416.2
200316.1
200216.1
200116.1
200016.2
opportunity2025

Employment-to-population ratio

47.8 % ages 15+
62.644.620002025
North star

Dignified, fairly paid work and genuine choice

Contextual north star; no universal numerical optimum

Share of people age 15+ who are employed; ILO modeled estimate.

Source, limitations & data

Age structure, education and unpaid care affect the rate. 100% employment is not an appropriate universal goal.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SL.EMP.TOTL.SP.ZS ↗

Employment-to-population ratio observations for Lesotho
Year% ages 15+
202547.8
202448
202348.1
202247.9
202146.5
202046.6
201947.9
201849.2
201750.4
201651.6
201552.6
201453.7
201354.9
201255.4
201155.7
201056.2
200956.7
200857.3
200757.7
200658.1
200558.6
200458.9
200359.5
200259.9
200160.3
200060.7
opportunity2025

Income per person

2,721 international dollars, constant 2021 PPP
3.2K1.8K20002025
North star

Shared prosperity within ecological limits

Contextual north star; no universal numerical optimum

GDP per person adjusted for purchasing power and inflation.

Source, limitations & data

Not household income, wealth or wellbeing; the current PPP base is specified in source metadata.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · NY.GDP.PCAP.PP.KD ↗

Income per person observations for Lesotho
Yearinternational dollars, constant 2021 PPP
20252,721
20242,698
20232,592
20222,578
20212,545
20202,517
20192,773
20182,846
20172,925
20163,057
20152,987
20142,931
20132,914
20122,894
20112,749
20102,651
20092,538
20082,589
20072,470
20062,381
20052,275
20042,179
20032,127
20022,025
20012,004
20001,932
opportunity2017

Income inequality

44.9 Gini index 0–100

Historical evidence · 2017. No recent observation is available in this snapshot.

5244.120022017
North star

Fair opportunity and less harmful inequality

Contextual north star; no universal numerical optimum

Distribution of income or consumption within a country.

Source, limitations & data

Income and consumption surveys are not interchangeable; sparse survey years are shown honestly.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SI.POV.GINI ↗

Income inequality observations for Lesotho
YearGini index 0–100
201744.9
200251.2
opportunity2023

Primary-school completion

67 % of relevant age group
105.849.2GOAL 10020002023
North star

Every child completes quality primary education

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Completion rate for primary education.

Source, limitations & data

Gross enrollment-based ratios can exceed 100%; completion does not directly measure learning.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SE.PRM.CMPT.ZS ↗

Primary-school completion observations for Lesotho
Year% of relevant age group
202367
202270.6
202178.7
202073.8
201980.4
201892.3
201678.6
201576.4
201479.5
201381.8
201281.8
201181.9
201081.2
200979.2
200879.6
200781.9
200684.9
200564.4
200467.4
200363.7
200260.2
200157.8
200055
opportunity2024

Adult literacy

90.4 % adults 15+
104.461.7GOAL 10020002024
North star

Literacy for every adult

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Adults who can read and write a short simple statement about everyday life.

Source, limitations & data

Sparse census or survey observations; national definitions and self-report can vary.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SE.ADT.LITR.ZS ↗

Adult literacy observations for Lesotho
Year% adults 15+
202490.4
201992.4
201886.2
201697.3
200666.1
200086.3
opportunity2024

Internet use

51.8 % of population
1130GOAL 10020002024
North star

Meaningful digital access for everyone

Unified Nations aspirational north star

People using the internet.

Source, limitations & data

Access does not establish affordability, safety, speed or digital literacy.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · IT.NET.USER.ZS ↗

Internet use observations for Lesotho
Year% of population
202451.8
202349
202248.1
202145.1
202043.7
201942.3
201840.8
201739
201632.5
201525
201422
201315
201210
20117
20103.9
20093.7
20083.6
20073.4
20063
20052.6
20042.2
20031.5
20021.1
20010.3
20000.2
opportunity2018

Birth registration

44.5 % children under 5
109.616.7GOAL 10020042018
North star

Every child counted and legally recognized

Unified Nations aspirational north star

Children under five whose births have been registered with a civil authority.

Source, limitations & data

Survey or administrative coverage may differ; registration does not establish complete vital statistics.

World Bank World Development Indicators; original producers named in source metadata · SP.REG.BRTH.ZS ↗

Birth registration observations for Lesotho
Year% children under 5
201844.5
201443.3
200945.1
200426.3

A starting agenda for Lesotho

Turn the goals
into work.

This is a public-health agenda to adapt with local communities and professionals. Completion alone does not establish a quantified effect.

Prevent avoidable deaths

Protect life at every stage.

  • Expand timely, respectful maternal and newborn care.
  • Close gaps in routine vaccination and disease prevention.
  • Strengthen suicide prevention, mental-health care, and follow-up.
  • Reduce road injuries, violence, and avoidable chronic-disease deaths.
WHO suicide-prevention evidence ↗
Reduce health loss

Make effective care reachable.

  • Improve access to primary care and essential medicines.
  • Detect and treat disease earlier.
  • Provide rehabilitation, pain relief, and disability support.
  • Protect households from harmful health-care costs.
WHO universal health coverage ↗
Build healthy conditions

Support the foundations of life.

  • Deliver safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and clean cooking.
  • Reduce harmful air pollution and child malnutrition.
  • Expand quality education, decent work, and social protection.
  • Publish results and identify who is still being left behind.
International development goals ↗

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