At mothers2mothers (m2m), we believe in unstoppable leaders—those who are relentless in pursuing our goal to bring health and hope to women, children, and families across Africa.

In response to drastic changes and cuts to global aid funding, which are threatening the lives of millions across sub-Saharan Africa, m2m launched Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop. Over the next few months, we will be celebrating the inspiring leaders behind m2m’s vision and mission—those who are breaking down barriers, finding innovating health solutions, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the African communities we serve. In this first edition of our Leadership Spotlight series, we speak to Mpolokeng Mohloai, Country Director for m2m in Lesotho, who embodies what it means to lead from the frontlines.

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Q: You’ve been with m2m since 2013. What keeps you going more than a decade later? 

What keeps me going is knowing that we are making a real difference in people’s lives. I’m inspired every day by the resilience of the women and families we work with. When I see a child born HIV-free or a mother confidently managing her health, I know our work matters. 

Q: Lesotho’s mountainous terrain poses major challenges for health care access. How is m2m tackling this? 

We’ve taken health care to where people are. Our Mentor Mothers—local women living with HIV trained and employed as community health workers—go into the hardest-to-reach communities. They visit homes, support clinic appointments, and ensure that no one is left behind. In recent years, we’ve expanded our approach by deploying Maternal and Child Health (MCH) nurses to work alongside Mentor Mothers, delivering comprehensive clinical services including antiretroviral treatment initiation, Early Infant Diagnosis and viral load monitoring directly to families. This has not only improved access to care—it has helped reduce waiting times, fill critical staffing gaps at health facilities, and strengthened trust in the health system. 

Q: The global health sector is facing rising funding uncertainty. How are you navigating this as a leader? 

It’s a very real challenge. In Lesotho, funding cuts have hit hard—affecting HIV/AIDS treatment, TB prevention, and maternal health services. Several projects were terminated or scaled back, and hundreds of community health workers (CHWs) lost their jobs and primary source of income.

Despite this, we are pushing ahead. We’re making every rand, dollar, and resource count—optimising what we have, strengthening partnerships with government and local stakeholders, and finding creative ways to keep services running, even in the most remote areas. For example, we’ve placed CHWs in the very communities where they live, so they can provide immediate health and social support, and link clients to clinics and social services. 

We will continue to innovate, adapt, and protect the progress we’ve made—ensuring no woman or child is left behind. 

Q: You’re a trained nurse. Does that influence how you lead?  

Absolutely. Nursing taught me compassion, discipline, and the power of showing up. I understand what it means to be on the ground, to face long queues and shortages, and still try to give your best to every patient. Even now, I keep my nursing uniform ready—and I’ve stepped in to help when clinics are understaffed. I don’t just lead from behind a desk. I’m always ready to serve. 

Q: What does the #CantStopWontStop campaign mean to you, personally? 

It’s a reflection of our everyday reality. We won’t stop until every woman—no matter how far away she lives or what stigma she faces—has access to the care and support she needs. We won’t stop until mother-to-child transmission of HIV is eliminated in Lesotho. And we won’t stop lifting up the voices of women who have often been overlooked. 

Q: What’s your biggest hope for m2m Lesotho? 

That we continue to lead with compassion and evidence. That we keep innovating and growing our impact. And that every woman and child in this country, no matter how remote, feels seen, supported, and empowered to live a healthy life. 

Want to get to know Mpolokeng even better? Explore her inspiring journey and impact at mothers2mothers here.

Listen to Mpolokeng in her own words.