The Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Culture, Ms. Moliehi Moejane says the Minamata Convection of Mercury was established in 2017 through the recommendations of the scientists after studying the effects of mercury.
She said this when officiating the launch of the Awareness-Raising Campaign on the Minamata Convection of Mercury.
Ms. Moejane expressed gratitude to the United Nations Environment Programme for the financial support and for helping Lesotho to minimize the use of mercury.
She said that studies show that mercury is harmful to humans and the environment as well, saying mercury can damage human organs such as livers, lungs, kidneys, and central nervous system.
She stressed that recent studies show that mercury is dangerous to pregnant women as it can affect the unborn child’s brain.
She said Lesotho is among the countries that are fighting the use of mercury, saying so far only 137 member states are part of the convection.
Speaking on behalf of the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Ms. Matšoanelo Monyophi said the Ministry of Health is grateful to be part of this launch.
She said the convection was established with the objective to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds.
She noted that the Minamata Convection represents an opportunity to improve the health of people around the world.
She expressed hope that this launch is the beginning of the long journey ahead to protect public health and ensure healthy environments with the collaborated and coordinated efforts.
Meanwhile, at the same event, the MTEC handed over 30 vests to the Ministry of Health to raise awareness of mercury.
By Staff Reporter: ‘Maphoka Likotsi