Deputy Chief of Mission Speeches
Remarks - U.S. Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program
Medical Equipment Donation
January 17, 2008
- Excellency, the Secretary of State in Charge of the National Gendarmerie, Ministry of Defense
- Excellency, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Defense
- General Meka, Chief of the Defense Staff
- Chiefs of Staff of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and National Gendarmerie
- Colonel and Doctor Atah, Director of Military Health
- Distinguished ladies and gentlemen
Thank you for taking the time to attend this ceremony to underscore one of the many important areas of US-Cameroonian security cooperation.
As you know, the relationship between our two militaries involves much more than training and preparing for national defense. It is a deeper relationship, built on the strong cooperation our two countries enjoy in all areas of mutual interest.
Today, we highlight the importance of health within the military forces and the broader military community. The United States stands with you as we to take action, together, to improve the health of the Cameroonian soldier, seaman, airman, and gendarme.
The military health system is essential, not only to ensure that Cameroon’s Armed forces are healthy and capable of performing their security missions, but also because your military health professionals, hospitals, and clinics provide an important service to military families and local communities all across Cameroon.
The U.S. Embassy in Cameroon is proud that, through the Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, the United States has been able to contribute medical equipment, resources, and research towards a healthier Cameroon. In addition to today’s donation of medical equipment to the Directorate of Military Health, we have obtained another $100,000 (45 million FCFA) to purchase additional equipment in 2008.
I would like to take a moment to thank our colleagues from John Hopkins University and the University of California at Los Angeles, represented today by Mr. Ubald Tamoufe, for all of their hard work and technical expertise provided in support of Cameroon and the U.S. Embassy’s Defense Attaché Office. Without your energy and professional expertise, none of this would have been possible.
I would also like to thank Colonel Atah and his predecessor, Colonel Kaze, as well as Captain Wangmene, for being such reliable partners in our common pursuit of better military health. We look forward to continuing to work with you to push more medical equipment and resources out to remote field stations in the future.
Excellencies, Chiefs of Staff, ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for your kind attention, and for your participation at today’s event.