Douala: US Ambassador launches 588 MFCFA-worth project against HIV/AIDS.

The project, dubbed: “Increasing site-level availability of health commodities in the Littoral Region of Cameroon, ISAHC”, was launched Friday August 18, in Douala, Littoral Region. It was launched in the presence of the Littoral Governor, Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Diboua.

Funded by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, PEPFAR, the project awarded to the Cameroon Regional Fund for Health Promotion of the Littoral Region, will last three years with an anticipated budget of over 588 million FCFA.

Speaking during the launching ceremony, the US diplomat explained that the project will ensure the sustainable supply of HIV/AIDS medication at health facilities in the Region and improve medication delivery time.

“We hope the results of the ISAHC project will encourage the extension of the initiative to other Regions and enable communities to be drivers of programmes and services that support their own needs,” the Ambassador stated.

He further said the project demonstrates the US Agency for International Development, USAID’s localisation agenda to support Cameroonian organisations. 

It is also worth noting that Ambassador Lamora later that day inaugurated the American Corner-Douala, in partnership with the Douala Regional Linguistic Centre.

The cultural and educational centre is said to provide a platform for exploration, conversation and learning, connecting residents of Douala to US culture and opportunities. 

“We believe in investing in people, investing in their education and their potential, and the American Spaces programmes like the American Corner Douala exemplify this commitment,” the Ambassador noted. 

“Programmes here are designed to empower individuals to face today's challenges and build a brighter tomorrow,” he added.

Prior to the launch of both educational and health projects, Ambassador Lamora paid a working visit to some administrative and traditional rulers in the Region.

The US diplomat held audiences with the Governor of the Littoral Region, Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Diboua, and other traditional rulers, including His Majesty, Jean Yves Eboumbou Manga Bell of Canton Bell and His Majesty, Frederic James Ekwalla Essaka Ekwalla Deido II of Canton Deido, to discuss the US government’s long-standing engagements in Douala and the entire Littoral Region.