press releases

U.S. Global Aids Coordinator Visits Maina Soko Military Hospital

Lusaka
October 18, 2006

LUSAKA. Ambassador Mark Dybul, the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator on Wednesday, October 18 visited Maina Soko Military Hospital in Lusaka to observe operations and to underscore the U.S. government’s continued partnership with the hospital. Maina Soko serves Zambia Defense Force (ZDF) personnel, who are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection, as well as their families and members of the surrounding community.

Since the establishment of the HIV clinic/laboratory in 2004, Maina Soko Military Hospital has benefited from the United States government’s support through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This assistance has strengthened laboratory capacity and HIV/AIDS diagnostic, care, and treatment for each branch of Zambia’s military forces.

Maina Soko Hospital is now equipped with state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, such as light and fluorescent microscopes, certified bio-safety cabinets, laminar flow cabinets, centrifuges and other items to support TB reference laboratory activities for the Defense Force. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides supplies and resources, in addition to technical laboratory assistance.

The U.S. Department of Defense has also supported training programs for military doctors, clinical officers, and nurses. The training focused on HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment. Maina Soko Hospital has also partnered with various organizations and military institutions to increase the hospital’s capacity in HIV/AIDS care and treatment. The recently established medical library, Learning Resource Center (LRC), is equipped with computers and networks that allow medical staff to access medical journals and research projects from around the world. The center receives book and journal donations through a partnership with U.S. military institutions.

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