The minister in the Prime Minister's Office has paid tribute to the collaboration of the United State Department of Defence and the Lesotho Defence Force in matter pertaining to HIV/AIDS management.

Speaking at the official handing over of portable clinics at the Makoanyane Barracks on Friday, Dr Motloheloa Phooko described the facility as a landmark of gifts that LDF has over the years received from the United States.

Dr Phooko outlined past areas of US assistance to Lesotho, which he said have not only benefited the army but have in the process tricked down to the ordinary people.

Articulating the LDF's role to the public, he said the military hospital is one of the best and most costly facilities in the country, hence the army plays a pivotal role of enhancing the health of the people.

The minister encouraged the LDF to continue with its remarkable work, and applauded the US contribution which makes this a reality.

At the occasion, the US ambassador to Lesotho Mr. Robert Nolan said his country is pleased to have contributed to LDF's outreach programmes which have seen the army assisting and interacting with rural communities, and added that the US military assistance will continue to flourish in the years to come.

Mr. Nolan said Military hospital has over the years benefited immensely from US donations of equipment, supplies and training. In addition the US Department of Defence's Humanitarian Assistance programme has provided financial assistance through the renovation and rehabilitation of health clinics and schools including the donation of medical supplies and schools furniture.

He announced that the US Department of Defence has allocated US$100 000 under its Humanitarian assistance Programme for the rehabilitation of schools and clinics in Lesotho this year.

The facility will be used as a wellness centre and consulting which will be used as consulting rooms for HIV/AIDS counsellors.

The facility was set up in response to the Makoanyane Hospital's overstretched children's ward from which services such as ART clinic, diabetes and ante-natal care were conducted.

It was erected with funding from the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS.

The occasion was attended by, among others, the Minister of Health Dr Mphu Ramatlapeng and a representative of US Department of Defence HIV/AIDS Prevention Programme, Dr Anne Thomas.

Source: LENA 25/01/2008