ONEAD Humanitarian Assistance Delivery Remarks, Deputy Chief of Mission Andrea Tomaszewicz, ONEAD Headquarters,
Wednesday, December 2, 2020, 10:00 a.m.
Today, the American people through the U.S. military are donating approximately $16,000 in gloves, masks, disinfectant solution, hand sanitizing solution, and hand sanitizing stations to the National Office of Water and Sanitation (ONEAD). This is just the first delivery under a larger effort supported by the United States for ONEAD to combat the spread of COVID-19. Through this project, the United States has pledged a total of $50,000 in supplies and equipment.
We remember well the rains and flooding of a year ago that led to a severe outbreak of mosquito-borne illnesses. We acknowledge the Government of Djibouti’s current efforts to counteract malaria and diseases and remain committed to helping the government ensure that the covid virus does not exacerbate these other health challenges.
This donation comes from the American people through the U.S. military to assist the Government of Djibouti in protecting the essential workers of ONEAD. These workers provide water and sanitation services to the people of Djibouti every day. Protecting these workers from exposure to COVID-19 ensures that ONEAD can continue to provide its services throughout Djibouti. The donation will benefit the workers of ONEAD and the residents of Djibouti during this pandemic.
This project is one of a multitude of ongoing U.S. government COVID-19 humanitarian assistance projects around the world implemented under the Department of Defense Overseas Humanitarian Disaster Assistance and Civic Aid program. Under this program, the U.S. government has delivered requested supplies and equipment worldwide to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
The American response to this pandemic includes contributions from many different U.S. government agencies. U.S. military personnel inside and outside of Djibouti are working to deliver assistance, including from US Africa Command, Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa, U.S. Army Civil Affairs, and Camp Lemonnier. Additionally, the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Department of State through our Embassy are key partners in bringing aid to the people of Djibouti. All of these U.S. government organizations work on behalf of the people of the United States to demonstrate goodwill and to build strong bonds and friendship between the United States and Djibouti. This work is meant to prevent or alleviate human suffering and to build peace and prosperity throughout the region. As I noted, we remember well the flooding of a year ago that led to a severe outbreak of mosquito-borne illnesses. We all want to ensure that the covid virus does not exacerbate these other health challenges.
It is my pleasure to join you today to witness this important delivery. Thank you.
