press releases
U.S. Ambassador Visits Luapula Province
SamfyaMay, 2006
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United States Ambassador to Zambia, Carmen Martinez, visited Mansa and Samfya districts in Luapula Province, May 22 and 23, 2006. During her visit, Ambassador Martinez donated medical equipment and inaugurated medical centers and staff houses that have been rehabilitated with funds provided by the United States Government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The U.S. Government supports the Zambian Government’s National Health Strategic Plan and provides assistance in the areas of maternal, child and reproductive health, malaria and TB control and HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment.
USAID provided $425,000 for equipment and rehabilitation of selected health centers and staff houses in Samfya, Milenge, Mwense, Kawambwa, Nchelenge and Chienge districts and Mansa General Hospital. A total of 29 staff housing units and two health centers were rehabilitated. Solar power was provided to 25 staff housing units and 10 Health Centers while 19 high frequency radios were installed and eight Honda motor bikes provided to health centers.
The assistance also included seven vaccine refrigerators to selected health centers. In addition, equipment for newborn resuscitation and surgery and delivery sets were provided to other health facilities in the province. A safe water supply was secured for Mbereshi Mission Hospital in Kawambwa.
At Mansa General Hospital, Ambassador Martinez donated medical instruments for general surgery, infant delivery, and specialized instrument sets for caesarean section deliveries.
In Samfya, on the shores of Lake Bangweulu, the Ambassador handed over a Star-craft engine boat which has a 15 passenger capacity that will be utilized by the Samfya District Health Management Team as a water ambulance to service the health centers on the Lake’s islands and swamps.
USAID’s partner, the Health Services and Systems Program, worked closely with the Luapula Provincial Health Office and the District Health Management Teams to identify priority needs. Where rehabilitation was undertaken, communities were mobilized to assist in the work, strengthening partnerships.
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