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

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Health Center Dedication
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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.

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Hi-Lux Keys in Delux Fashion
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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.

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President's Hospital and Midwives
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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.

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ROYG-funded Facilities Visited
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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