Sexual minorities in Lesotho, similar to those in many other countries in Southern Africa, frequently encounter prejudice and discrimination when they access health care services. The World Health Organisation states that access to health care for urban dwellers differs from that in rural areas. Health equity is a fundamental principle of public health that states that all people should have equal access to healthcare, regardless of their characteristics. Health equity is providing healthcare services based on individual needs, without stigma, discrimination, or any personal and economic status.
This research explores factors affecting health equity among sexual minorities or sexual minorities in Maseru, Leribe, and Mokhotlong, Lesotho. A qualitative research methodology with intepretivist research design was used for this study. The Researcher used qualitative research methodology as he wanted to understand the lived realities of sexual minorities in the three districts. Qualitative with an interpretivist paradigm provided a more nuanced understanding of the complex interaction of individual, cultural and legal elements impacting the lived realities of Lesotho’s sexual minorities.
The researcher interviewed 45 Sexual Minorities consisting of (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender and Queer) and 17 Service Providers consisting of (Health Professionals, Legislators and Community Leaders between December 2023 and January 2024. The research revealed key Challenges as “Poor access to health care services, Unequal treatment, Stigma and discrimination, Mental health, inadequately trained health care providers on culturally appropriate and sensitivity on the needs of sexual minorities. Of 45 Sexual minorities who were interviewed, 26 indicated that Stigma Discrimination and poor access to health care services by sexual minorities was a result of inadequate training of health professionals on understanding culturally appropriate and sensitivity.
Based on research findings, there is a need to train health care professionals in culturally appropriate and sensitivity in health care provision, awareness raising, enactment of protective policy and legal framework, and Enforcement of protective laws and policies should be fully implemented to reduce stigma and discrimination against sexual minorities. By eliminating these institutional obstacles and increasing accessibility to healthcare for everyone, Lesotho can guarantee that everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, has equal access to healthcare. services.
Keywords: Health equity, sexual minorities, cultural competence, discrimination, Lesotho.