Divo, 09 October 2009... The United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), on 8 October 2009, officially handed over the keys of the headquarters of the district health authorities in Divo that it rehabilitated, as well as a batch of medical equipment for three health centres in the department.

The equipment, including comprised mattresses, birthing tables, beds, examination tables, tensiometres and stethoscopes among others was donated to health centres in Datta, Hermankono Garo and Gniguédougou.

Representatives of the villages and the medical staff of the beneficiary hospitals as well as local authorities participated in the ceremony, which took place at the headquarters of Divo health authority. The equipment and rehabilitation cost more than 7 millions Fcfa.

The representative of the mayor, the departmental director of health, the spokesperson of the population and the Sub-prefect of Divo, Zébé Tétiali, all welcomed UNOCI's humanitarian action. "Today UNOCI brought the population much happiness. Its actions continue to improve their well-being", said Mr. Tétiali, urging the beneficiaries to make a good use of the equipment and services.

UNOCI's Civil Affairs Officer in Divo, Bénédicte Djénéba Kouassi Dosso, paid tribute to the authorities and to the population of Divo for their commitment to the consolidation of peace and their participation in all the Mission's activities. Mrs. Kouassi Dosso also warned Divo residents that some people in the region have been defrauding other by using UNOCI's name.

The Sud Bandama region has benefitted from a number of UNOCI's projects, including a centre for HIV patients in Hiré, a school canteen in Grobiassoumé, specialized rooms in Divo Secondary School and visitors' toilets in Lakota hospital.

The Mission is also going to rehabilitate four hydraulic pumps in Gnama, as part of its Quick Impact Projects programme, aimed at accompanying its efforts in the implementation of its mandate.