July 1, 2005
No. 31/05

United States Ambassador Visits SNNPR Visit highlights U.S. Support for Health Care, Education, Natural Resources

Addis Ababa (U.S. Embassy) – On Thursday, June 30, Ambassador Aurelia E. Brazeal joined officials and health-care workers to inaugurate a new rural health post in the Gamo Gofa Zone of the Southern Nation, Nationalities and People’s Region (SNNPR).  The inauguration was part of a visit to the SNNPR that also included calls at Arba Minch University and Arba Minch College of Teacher Education, meetings with regional religious leaders, and the opportunity to experience first-hand some of the Region’s extraordinary natural resources and its rich cultural diversity.

The opening of the Dorze Laka Health Post is the latest in a collaboration between the United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health that has to date provided $199,000 (1.7 million Birr) for the construction of 61 health posts in SNNPR. In addition, USAID has provided US$188,000 (1.6 million Birr) for the procurement of medical equipment, including kerosene refrigerators for a total of 86 health posts in the region.

Speaking at the inauguration, Ambassador Brazeal saluted those responsible for the success of the program.   She noted that the opening of the Dorze Laka facility was “an opportunity to celebrate the construction of health posts and the expansion of health services throughout Ethiopia.  I want to congratulate, as well, the many people here in Gamo Gofa Zone who have helped make this health post a realty as they have joined communities across Ethiopia in the improvement of health services across the country.”

The construction of health posts and deployment of health extension workers represents the momentum of the Ethiopian Government’s innovative community health program—the Health Services Extension Program (HSEP).  The focus of this program is to expand outreach activities and to increase access to preventive and promotive health care at the community and household levels.  Similar assistance to the Health Services Extension Program (HSEP) is being provided to Amhara and Oromiya regions, with special attention to equipment required for childhood immunizations.

Ambassador Brazeal also visited Nechisar National Park and toured the historic Konso area.  She commented that “the United States government remains committed to wildlife conservation and to developing eco-tourism activities in Ethiopia,” pointing out that U.S. support in these areas has ranged from elephant-conservation projects at Mago and Babile National Parks to a recent exchange program on biotechnology with key Ethiopian universities. The United States is also aiding Ethiopia to increase access to modern and environmental friendly energy services in urban and rural areas through the African Rift Geothermal Energy initiative (ARGEO).

 Ambassador Brazeal’s visit to SNNPR is part of her ongoing program of travel throughout Ethiopia, which has taken her to every region of the country.

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