The Minister of Communications, Science and Technology says the government has put in place a science and technology policy, in acknowledgment of the need to invest in health-related
technologies.

Officially opening the 2007 Science and Technology week that started on Monday, Mr. Mothetjoa Metsing described the policy as a framework charting the way for promotion, entrenchment and investment in scientific research, infrastructure and manpower development.

The theme for the five-day event is 'Enhancement of Health through Science and Technology,’ which Mr. Metsing, said highlights the importance of mainstreaming and convincing the mindset of people that science is the key to change, hence a need to embrace it.

He pointed out that it is through scientific innovations that major social maladies such as HIV/AIDS can be overcome, noting that the 2004 Health and Demography Survey shows that HIV/AIDS is a major socio-economic problem facing Lesotho and the rest of the southern African region.

The minister noted that, at a prevalence rate of 23.9 percent, the disease continues to wreak havoc among the people, aggravated by extreme poverty.

At the same occasion, The Dean of the National University of Lesotho (NUL)-Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Philip Odonkor said health is an indispensable pre-requisite for social and economic advancement.

Professor Odonkor said for this to be achieved, equitable distribution of educational resources is vital, adding that it is the responsibility of leaders of the health and education sectors to inspire, educate and guide efforts in this regard.

Exhibitions ranged from proper nutrition to health care and the impact of global warming on human life.

Source: LENA 10/09/2007