On Monday March 15, Ambassador Whitaker presented a gift of a mobile field hospital from the American people to Minster of National Defense Katambe and Acting Minister of Public Health Boto at a ceremony at Camp Garba Hassane in Niamey.
The donation is valued at 1.6 million U.S. dollars (~880.5 million CFA). It arrived in Niger with assistance from the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. The 40-bed facility is equipped with a negative pressure capability, which is key to supporting infection prevention and control, a vital component for combatting current and future medical crises.
In his formal remarks Ambassador Whitaker explained, “This immense effort demonstrates our enduring relationship, built on 61 years working together toward common goals of peace, security, stability, and prosperity. That means together, as always, the United States is here to partner with the Nigerien government to help ensure the health and security of Niger’s citizens.”
For the last week, U.S. trainers have been working alongside Nigerien teams learning to set-up, maintain, disassemble, and mobilize this complex facility. The Ministry of Public Health will administer the field hospital. After Niamey, this field hospital will be deployed to Ouallam to provide healthcare to Nigerien civilians, military members, and their families.
