US Ambassador hosts reception for medical community

Recently, Ambassador Michael S. Hoza welcomed over 80 guests to a reception held at his residence in honor of Cameroon’s medical community.

The distinguished guests included Minister of Health Andre Mama Fouda, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Public Health Hayatou Alim, Cameroonian medical professionals, members from the national and international nongovernmental organization community, and officials from the United States’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In his welcome remarks, the Ambassador underscored the United States’ commitment to improving the health of the Cameroonian people, highlighting that support for this key sector has increased tenfold over the last five years to $48 million presently: “This demonstrates the clear commitment of the United States to the health of the Cameroonian people.

Americans and Cameroonians are working together to save lives. But many challenges await us and we have much more to do. Ebola has not yet arrived, but we need to prepare in case it does. Maternal mortality is still a problem and it must be addressed.

Blood safety, refugee health, neglected tropical diseases, developing Cameroon’s epidemiological capacity to be able to respond to outbreaks and contain them - these are all areas in which the United States is supporting Cameroon. And I want to reassure you: Cameroon can continue to rely on our support.