The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has pledged its commitment to continue supporting government to embark on programmes that are aimed at improving the lives of Basotho.

UNFPA Country Representative, Dr Lillian Marutle, said this when addressing participants of a four-day workshop held at the National Convention Centre in Maseru on Tuesday.

Dr Marutle said the workshop is important as it prepares for the implementation of the Fifth Country Programme Action Plan (CPAP) of 2008/2012 for Lesotho.

The fifth programme between Lesotho and UNFPA will cover three main areas of reproductive health, population and development and gender issues.

Dr Marutle added that participants are expected to draft the annual work plan for the first year of the programme as well as to monitor and evaluate their framework in accordance with UNFPA guidelines.

The purpose of the workshop, which ends on Friday, aims to afford the agency and government an opportunity to meet and share experiences and challenges encountered during the previous programmes.

UNFPA is an international development agency that promotes the rights of every woman, man and child to enjoy health and equal opportunities.

Source: LENA 09/10/2007