MARIB WELCOMES THE AMBASSADOR WITH THANKS FOR A

UNCLAS SANAA 000887 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL ECON EAID YM SUBJECT: MARIB WELCOMES THE AMBASSADOR WITH THANKS FOR A HOSPITAL WELL DONE REF: SANAA 872 ¶1. SUMMARY: On March 22, Ambassador and USAID Mission Director Mike Sarhan traveled with ROYG Minister of Health, Abdul Karim Rase, to Marib for the dedication of the Medgil Health Center and a tour of the USDA-funded President's Hospital in Marib City. In Marib, the party was joined by Ares Zuki, Governor of Marib and Abdrabo Muftah, Director General of Health, Marib. The day long visit included a visit to the USAID-funded Health Institute that provides a two year training course for midwives. The party was met in each location by throngs of citizens and leaders from the surrounding areas, who showed great appreciation and hope for continued USG assistance. END SUMMARY -------------- Health Center Dedication -------------- ¶2. Ambassador and USAID Mission Director Mike Sarhan visited the Medghil Health Center to dedicate a recently completed USD 193,000 wing funded by USAID. Abdul Karim Rase, Minister of Health, and Ares Zuki, Governor of Marib, were also on hand. All were welcomed by the sheikh of the local tribe, Rebeesh Mabchout Bin Kelaan. The sheikh applauded USG assistance in the expansion of the clinic and thanked the Ambassador for community support. He confirmed that the USG would remain committed to the development of the area. -------------- Hi-Lux Keys in Delux Fashion -------------- ¶3. Results of the USAID funded Health Facility Survey were presented at the Governorate Auditorium of Marib. Ambassador remarked on the commitment of both the USG and ROYG to provide health care for Yemen's children, even in the most remote areas. The Governor and the Health Minister stressed that the USG funding of the President's Hospital demonstrates USG's continuing support for the community. ¶4. After the presentation, Ambassador presented keys for a Toyota Hi-Lux truck to Governor Zuki. The USAID-funded vehicle will enable the Marib Health Office to conduct supervisory visits, provide in-service training, and distribute supplies as needed. Ambassador received a warm thank you from Abdrabo Muftah, Director General of Health, Marib Health Office. -------------- President's Hospital and Midwives -------------- ¶5. From the Health Center, the party moved on to tour the President's Hospital. The hospital was funded by USDA 416(b) proceeds (reftel),and is equipped with state of the art diagnostic and treatment facilities. The hospital is partially operational, but has not officially opened. ¶6. Next the Ambassador visited the MHI to observe the USAID-funded training program for midwives. There were two classes in session during the visit, and a total of 45 midwife trainees were present. Their graduation is set for 2007, after which they will work in small health facilities serving rural Marib and village communities. Ambassador wished them well and congratulated them for their efforts. -------------- ROYG-funded Facilities Visited -------------- ¶7. Ambassador accompanied the Minister of Health on visits to the ROYG-funded Health Center Shaheed Mohammed Hayel and the al-Shawban Health Center. Both facilities are operational, well staffed and equipped and appear to be serving clients in an orderly and professional manner. ¶8. COMMENT: USG efforts on improving health care administration and facilities are proving to be successful venues for the achievement of development and public diplomacy goals in Yemen. The facilities supported by USAID and USDA Food Aid funding are recognized and welcomed as tangible proof of USG commitment to improving the health and welfare of the people of Yemen. END COMMENT. Krajeski