14th National Health Research Symposium of Lesotho
Date: October 8, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Avani Lesotho
Theme
Advancing Universal Health Coverage
Call for Abstracts
The Ministry of Health of Lesotho invites researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to submit abstracts for the 14th National Health Research Symposium. This symposium serves as a vital platform for disseminating research findings, fostering discussions, and shaping health policies in Lesotho. We seek abstracts reporting new health-related research conducted in Lesotho. Priority will be given to unpublished research, but abstracts of highly relevant recently published studies may also be considered.
Abstract Submission Guidelines
These guidelines apply to all individual and co-authored abstracts submitted for consideration at the Lesotho National Research Symposium.
1. Eligibility and General Instructions
- Abstracts must report original research (empirical, theoretical, or applied) or rigorous programmatic evaluations.
- Each presenting author may submit a maximum of two (2) abstracts as first/presenting author.
- By submitting, the presenting author confirms that all co-authors have approved the content and author order.
- Abstracts must be written in English.
2. Abstract Structure
Abstracts must follow a structured format using the headings below.
Title
Concise, specific, and free of unnecessary abbreviations. Maximum 30 words.
Authors & Affiliations
Full names, institutional affiliations, and presenting author marked with an asterisk (*).
Background/Introduction
Indicate the purpose and objective of the research, the hypothesis that was tested, or a description of the problem being analysed or evaluated.
Objective(s)/Aim
Clearly state the research question or hypothesis.
Methods
Describe the study period, setting and location, study design, study population, data collection and methods of analysis used.
Results
Present as clearly and in as much detail as possible the findings and/or outcomes of the study. Please disaggregate data by age and gender where possible and summarize any specific results. Avoid vague statements like “results will be discussed”.
Conclusion
Interpretation, significance, and implications of the findings.
Keywords
3–5 keywords, listed alphabetically.
3. Word Limit
- Maximum 350 words, excluding title, authors, affiliations, and keywords.
- Abstracts exceeding the limit will be automatically rejected or returned for revision.
- A maximum of two graphics (e.g. table, graph, figure or image) can be included in the abstract.
4. Formatting and Font Requirements
- Font size: 12 pt (body text); Title in 14 pt, bold
- Line spacing: Single-spaced
- Margins: 2.5 cm on all sides
- Alignment: Justified
- File format: Microsoft Word (.docx) or PDF
- File naming: LastName_FirstInitial_AbstractTitle.docx
- Page limit: 1 page maximum (2 pages if it includes graphics)
Additional requirements:
- Do not include headers, footers, or page numbers.
- Use italics for scientific/species names; avoid unnecessary bold or underlined text elsewhere.
- Abbreviations must be defined at first use.
5. Submission Process
- Send an email to: [email protected] or [email protected]
- Upload abstract following the structure, word limit, and formatting rules above.
- Submit and receive confirmation/acknowledgment, which will be sent within 48 hours.
Submission deadline: 25 September 2026, 5:00 p.m.
Notification of acceptance: 02 October 2026
Final Oral Presentation submission: 06 October 2026
6. Presentation Formats
- Oral Presentation (10 min + 5 min Q&A)
- Rapid-Fire Oral Presentation (3 min + 2 min Q&A)
7. Review Criteria
Abstracts will be evaluated by the Scientific/Review Committee using a review process based on:
- Originality and relevance
- Clarity of objectives and methodology
- Soundness of results and interpretation
- Contribution to the field
Abstracts that do not conform to the structure, word limit, or font requirements may be returned for correction or rejected without review, depending on committee capacity.
8. Ethical and Disclosure Requirements
- Studies involving human or animal subjects must state relevant ethical approval (NHREC reference number).
- Any conflicts of interest or funding sources should be disclosed in a separate field on the submission portal (not within the abstract word count).
9. Contact and Support
For technical issues with the submission portal or questions about guidelines, contact:
Mr Mathaha Makaoe
Senior Research Officer
Ministry of Health
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
WhatsApp/Cell: +266 5903 7919
Join us in advancing health research and shaping the future of healthcare in Lesotho!
The Organizing Committee reserves the right to reject any abstract that does not comply with these guidelines or the Symposium’s code of conduct.