Addis Ababa, 3rd November 2016: The Commission of the African Union (AU) inaugurated its new ‘’Medical Services Special Project, at the AU Headquarters, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The project was one of the strategic objectives of the MHSD to continuously improve its service delivery system. It was in response to this that the special project was initiated. With this project, the MHSD will be in a position to manage most of its client onsite, timely and at acceptable standards. Thus, reducing the cost of health care, improve client’s satisfaction and above all contribute to the attainment of the aspirations of Agenda 2063.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of the African Union Commission Chairperson H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, The Minister Advisor and representative of the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Dr. Mohammmed Abdallah Aboul Hassan; Permanent Representatives of AU member states; Members of Arab Embassies accredited to Ethiopia; Members of the Diplomatic Community; AU Commissioners; Senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; and staff of the AU Commission.

AUC Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, in her opening remarks said that the special project was very important as it serves as a practical symbol of solidarity between the African Union and the government of Kuwait. She went on to highlight that “Anyone who helped improve your health is a true friend and true partner”. She then added that the AU has a memorandum of understanding with the government of Kuwait that includes the next phase after this one. “It will support the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), an institution critical towards building resilience and coordination in the continent to manage and prevent the spread of diseases.” She concluded her remarks by conveying her heartfelt appreciation to the Amir, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah and the people of the state of Kuwait for the donation.

The Minister Advisor and representative of the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Dr. Mohammmed Abdallah Aboul Hassan delivered a message from His Highness the Amir of the state of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jabar Al Sabah “We are pleased to hand over the newly enhanced African union medical services delivery system project funded by His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah and the people of the state of Kuwait.

This is just the first phase of our contribution to Africa’s health infrastructure, our second phase will be to contribute to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to ensure that the African continent can effectively and timely respond and prevent public health threats. He further thanked the AU Commission and diplomatic corp for awarding the Kuwait delegation the opportunity to be present for the inauguration of the Special Project.

In his welcome remarks, Director of Medical and Health Services, Dr. Yankuba Kassama expressed his sincere appreciation to the Government of Kuwait for bridging the medical service delivery gaps at the AU through their contribution.  He gladly announced that the Medical Services had acquired more modern and state of the art medical equipment as well as a new fully equipped ambulance, new ENT unit, new Physiotherapy unit and a new dental suite.

He concluded by emphasizing that the State of Kuwait funded special project is one of the fruits of HE the AUC Chairperson’s vision on partnership

FA/CM/AMT

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