“The threats we face today –whether it is a pandemic like H1N1, or a terrorist threat, or a treatable disease – can only be overcome if we use all our resources together in a coordinated effort,“ U.S. Chargé Andrew Young underscored on  May 12, 201 at a handover ceremony with the Malian Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene in Bamako. The donation from the American people to the Malian people consisted of two ambulances, three specimen transfer motorcycles, and thousands of medical supplies including personal protective equipment, beds, gloves, and thermometers, valued at over 87 million CFA.  Speaking to the Minister of Health and to two dozen senior staff, the Chargé thanked President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and the Government of Mali for their continued commitment to the new Global Health Security Agenda and pledged to work hand-in-hand with the Government to improve the health of all Malians. Chargé Young highlighted that the U.S. Government worked alongside the Government of Mali during each phase of the Ebola response which included equipping the Emergency Operations Center and supporting efforts to conduct contact tracing, safe burials, management of Emergency Treatment Centers, and public awareness campaigns.  In closing the ceremony, Chargé Young and the Minister of Health rode the specimen transfer motorcycles around Cite Administrative and called on all Malians to wear helmets when riding a motorcycle –“i ka caské don –i koun na!,” said the Chargé in Bambara.

By U.S. Mission Mali | 14 May, 2015 | Topics: Events