Aid in Action

Clinic Opens in Djibouti’s Arid North

Djibouti  | Thursday, April 02, 2009

On April 2, 2009 the Minister of Health, Mr. Abdallah Abdillahi Miguil, the U.S. Ambassador, Mr. James Swan, the USAID/East Africa Regional Director, Mrs Cheryl Anderson, and the USAID/Djibouti Representative, Ms. Stephanie Funk and CJTF –HOA reps met in Djibouti’s arid north at the village of Dalley-Af to open a newly renovated clinic, one of the four clinics the U.S. Government has supported in Obock District and one of 23 throughout the country. This represents excellent coordination between USAID, the American Embassy, CJTF-HOA, the Djibouti Government and the community.  The villagers expressed their gratitude for the clinic’s opening with traditional songs and dances.   The clinic supports a population of 600 people.  USAID/Djibouti’s health program has supported the Government of Djibouti to improve Djibouti maternal and child health.  During the four years of the program, infant mortality and under five mortality were reduced. In 2004, one birth out of five took place in a health facility.  Today, that figure has turned to four out of five.  During the last four years, the Government of Djibouti in collaboration with USAID has greatly expanded health care services for rural Djiboutians, creating a positive impact on people’s lives.

See more of: Scenes from the opening of a clinic at Dalley-Af village.