The United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), on Saturday, 21 September 2013, officially handed over the keys to a health centre for voluntary HIV/AIDS testing to the general hospital in Taabo, situated 110 km from Yamoussoukro, as part of its Quick Impact Projects programme.



During the ceremony held in the grounds of the general hospital, the Mayor of Taabo, Alassane Ngom, expressed his gratitude to UNOCI for all his efforts to help Ivorians in various sectors, especially health. He was speaking in front of traditional chiefs, administrative authorities, local politicians and a large number of people who attended the event.



According to the Mayor, the voluntary testing centre will give people the opportunity to know their HIV/AIDS status so that those who have been infected can benefit from treatment.

Daniela Lupas, the regional coordinator of UNOCI office in Abidjan, who was representing the head of UNOCI, Mrs Aichatou Mindaoudou, thanked the authorities for recognising the Mission's work, adding that taking on the project was in accordance with UNOCI's mandate.



« In accordance with the mandate of our institution, we must fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS. We are committed to supporting the district of Taabo with the rehabilitation of its hospital so that its personnel can provide quality care to the people in Taabo », she added.



The Prefect of the district, Légré Koukougmon, who also thanked the Mission for its gesture, highlighted the need to sensitise people on the harmful effects of HIV/AIDS. He called on them to show exemplary behaviour in order to help the district attain its objective of zero infections.



« We are all potential victims of AIDS. UNOCI's efforts should not go in vain. The objective is to have zero infection in Taabo », stressed the Prefect.

In order to attain this objective, people living with HIV/AIDS as well as orphans and children who are victims of AIDS are benefitting from the support of an NGO which was set up community counsellors who are looking after victims.



It should be noted that apart from the HIV/AID voluntary testing centre, the hospital has also got a pharmacy and its buildings renovated by UNOCI at a cost of nearly 15 million FCFA.