Lecturers visit Lesotho to help support the fight against HIV and AIDS

9 March 2007

Academics from the North East Wales Institute of Higher Education (NEWI) are visiting Lesotho to build on and develop existing links between Wales, Lesotho and South Africa.  The visit is funded by UNESCO Cymru as part of a project which aims to bring together academics from the three countries to establish a sustainable higher education partnership to tackle HIV/AIDS-related risk behaviours.

During their visit the three academic staff from NEWI, Professor Odette Parry, Professor Julian Buchanan and Dr Paul Burlison will meet key representatives from organisations who work with groups of people who are considered to be at high risk of contracting HIV as well as with those who have been affected by the epidemic and members of HIV and Aids support group.  They will also spend time with academics and students at the National University of Lesotho who work within the areas for health and social care.  As part of the project the research team will be aiming to identify country-relevant risk issues.  Through their research, based on knowledge about the experiences and beliefs of those affected, they hope to inform the development of health promoting strategies and services which target those most at risk of developing HIV/AIDS.

Dr Julian Buchanan said, “Lesotho has the fourth highest incidence of HIV in the world.  By building relationships with the National University of Lesotho we hope to create a partnership which will provide a cultural exchange and engage key individuals who will be influential in helping to disseminate our research findings and improve the situation in the future.”

The academics have received advice and support in the planning of their visit from local MP Ian Lucas who cam along to wish them well prior to their departure.   He said, “I was delighted to help Julian and Odette when they approached me. I have put them in touch with different schools, clinics and Government departments in the country who I have worked with, and will be looking forward to hearing about their visit when they return. The links being forged between NEWI and Lesotho are part of a growing bond the country is developing with Wrexham."