{"id":96033,"date":"2023-02-07T13:54:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-07T19:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/?p=96033"},"modified":"2023-02-07T11:53:29","modified_gmt":"2023-02-07T17:53:29","slug":"unmc-student-presents-public-health-ideas-to-lesotho-prime-minister","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/2023\/02\/07\/unmc-student-presents-public-health-ideas-to-lesotho-prime-minister\/","title":{"rendered":"UNMC student presents public health ideas to Lesotho prime minister"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She emphasized urgent public health needs, such as Lesotho\u2019s 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.  <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
UNMC student Mamello Makhele with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\u201cThe biggest issue in Lesotho is health because it is really failing,\u201d Makhele said. \u201cMaternal mortality, gender-based violence, mental health \u2014 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.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Abresch said Makhele has an \u201cunrelenting drive\u201d and deep care for others. She was a standout student in his Foundations of Maternal and Child Health course, which he said aims \u201cto spark a passion area within the field and allow that passion to grow.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMamello was a rare student, entering the course with her passion area already firmly established,\u201d Dr. Abresch said. \u201cIn 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.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u201cHeroes in the Field\u201d in 2022<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Makhele said she remains in contact with the prime minister\u2019s office following her presentation. One of her career aspirations is to lead the development and implementation of public health policies throughout Lesotho.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne thing I appreciated about (the prime minister) was that he was taking notes and actively listening,\u201d she said. \u201cEven after the presentation, he kept thanking me and giving his appreciation. It is important because this is not a one-person job. It\u2019s not about him only. It\u2019s about us as well and how we can give back to our own community.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

College of Public Health student Mamello Makhele brings professional experience from her native 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