UPDATED: 16 Jan 2008 GMT
Speeches 2006
Ceremony to Hand Over Excess Medical Supplies
Venue: Kibaha, coast Region
December 13, 2006
Remarks by the U.S. Ambassador Michael L. Retzer
Habari za asubuhi!
Waheshimiwa Wageni Waalikwa
Honorable Regional Commissioner, Dr. Christine Ishengoma
Retired Colonel Ferdinand Swai, (Director Kibaha Education Center)
Dr. Koleheth Winani, (Medical Officer-in-Charge, Tumbi Special Hospital)
Dr. Mary Lady, (District Medical Officer, Bagamoyo District Hospital)
Dr. Leonard Mndeme, (Medical Superintendent, Muheza District Hospital)
Ms. Margareth Mkongelwa, (Clinical Officer, Miono Health Center)
I am glad to be here in the Coast Region – [Mkoa wa Pwani]. This is my third trip here, yet each time I travel here, I am overwhelmed by the shear beauty of this region.
We have come to Kibaha to hand over medical supplies, donated by the U.S. Department of Defense's Humanitarian Assistance Excess Property Program. This program is an excellent example of the U.S. military's humanitarian work. The total contribution is worth over 116 million Tanzanian Shillings.
We are excited that three separate hospitals-- Tumbi, Bagamoyo, and Muheza--and the MIONO Health Center will benefit from this donation. The materials include desks, beds, mattresses, examining tables, surgical tools and medical consumable supplies.
We hope these materials will increase the capacity of this area’s medical facilities, and provide better health care to the people of the Coast and Tanga Regions – [Mkoa wa Pwani na Mkoa wa Tanga] , especially given the devastating effect that traffic accidents have on those traveling on the major roads in this region.
Today's handover complements the success of the NATURAL FIRE military exercise, which took place in August 2006 at Msata. Together members of the U.S. military and the Tanzanian People's Defense Force worked side by side to refurbish the Msata Health Dispensary.
DoD humanitarian funds also provided U.S. government assistance to build a new Health Clinic in Msata right next door to the existing Dispensary. We know that this is already increasing the health care capability and capacity in Msata.
The strong partnership between the United States and Tanzania can achieve great things. Finally, I would just like to say Serikali ya Marekani itaendelea kutoa misaada kwa Tanzania katika Afya na matibabu kwa wote (the USG remains committed to bringing our nation’s resources here to Tanzania to help address the vital needs of public health and emergency medical treatment for all.)
Asanteni Sana! (Thank you!)
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