Dire Dawa, Ethiopia - American and Ethiopian partners dedicated a newly renovated health outpost at Lagoda Mirga Kebele on January 9, 2009. Service members of the United States' Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) renovated the clinic as part of our two countries' ongoing partnership to improve health care and livelihoods for local communities.
At the dedication ceremony, Captain Edgar M. Levine, USNR, the CJTF-HOA Force Surgeon stressed the importance of partners working together to improve community health. He joined regional and local officials to cut the ribbon on the new facility.
The renovations to the health clinic included the installation of a new security fence, construction of a roof and gutter system, replacement of the clinic's latrine plumbing and electrical wiring, and installation of a bio-hazard incinerator. The renovations cost approximately U.S. $50,000.
The clinic was identified for renovation by the Dire Dawa Health Bureau in December 2007. The newly completed facility will improve local health care for nearly 6,000 people living in the 12 villages of Lagoda Mirga Kebele, one hour's drive from Dire Dawa.
The work of CJTF-HOA's service members contributes to United States Government efforts to promote a better tomorrow for all Ethiopians through short-term projects to support clean water, functional schools, better roadways and improved medical facilities. CJTF-HOA's development projects are part of a strategy of Cooperative Conflict Prevention, and contribute to the task force's overall mission to build security capacity, promote regional cooperation, and protect coalition interests to prevail against extremist activities.
For more information please contact the U.S. Embassy's - Press and Information Office at 251-11-517-4244 or ParadisoDT@state.gov