The U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Djibouti, Geeta Pasi, with the Minister of Health (MoH), Ali Yacoub Mahamoud, and CJTF-HOA’s Brigadier General Eugene Haase, inaugurated  Chebelley clinic, a first level health facility in the Arta Region.   Built by CJTF-HOA, in partnership with USAID, Chebelley clinic  is comprised of consultation and hospitalization rooms, a maternity ward, a nutrition unit, a nurse residence, an incinerator for waste management, outdoor toilets and solar panels.  Development partners attending the event included Mark Mitchell, Acting Representative, USAID, CJTF-HOA personnel, Ministry officials, UN Agency officials, and the Prefect of the Arta Region. 

Chebelley clinic  will provide the population of the local village and others living in neighboring areas with access to basic health care services.   It is the result of a collaborative effort between the U.S. military, USAID and the Ministry of Health with the objective of increasing access to basic health care for rural populations in Djibouti.

CJTF-HOA’s humanitarian assistance program funded the  construction of this clinic, building on past investments by USAID and the Ministry of Health.  From 2004 to 2008, USAID/Djibouti’s maternal and child health program expanded essential health services to all rural areas in the country.  During this period, USAID refurbished and/or built 23 of the 30 rural health clinics while the Government of Djibouti increased the share of the national budget dedicated to health from 4% to12%.  Building on this, the Ministry of Health was able to increase five-fold the number of nurses, mid-wives and lab technicians to ensure the staffing and sustainability of the new facilities.

CJTF-HOA and USAID will continue to provide support to the health sector in coordination with the Government of Djibouti.

For more information, please contact the Public Diplomacy section of the U.S. Embassy: (253) 21 45 33 68 or e-mail at DjiboutiPD@State.gov