More than thirty Kenyan nurses will be deployed in different parts of the country Lesotho to enhance provision of health services.

Welcoming the nurses at the welcome dinner held at Khali Hotel on Monday, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare extended her gratitude to the Government of Kenya for providing Lesotho with nurses.

Dr Mphu Ramatlapeng said the nurses will assist mostly needy rural community members who are unable to attain medical treatment in their areas due to limited number of nursing staff.

She pointed out that amongst their duties, the nurses will be expected to work with people infected with HIV/AIDS, provide counseling and testing, and also deal with other related illnesses.

As part of the orientation, they will undergo training sessions whereby they will be taught how to communicate in Sesotho, know about Basotho culture and food, she said.

Dr Ramatlapeng thanked Kenyan nurses for showing willingness to serve Basotho, saying the attitude clearly indicates that nursing is a noble profession as it was not easy to travel through Kenya due to the current political instability in that country.

Speaking at the occasion, the Registrar of Lesotho Nursing Council Mrs. 'Matlotliso Lepota showed confidence that the nurses will do their work as expected as they have passed both oral and written tests.

Mrs. Lepota added that they have also inspected their certificates that she said match international standard of nursing.

It is expected that the second batch of Kenyan 41 nurses will arrive soon and so to make a total of 75. They are expected to work in the country for a period of three years.

Source: LENA 12/02/2008