Duekoué, 19 November 2009... The Moroccan contingent of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) on Thursday, 19 November 2009, organized a day of free medical consultations for the population in Diahouin, a village situated about 10 kilometres from Duekoué.

Commander Nabib Elmersi, head of civil-military affairs of the contingent, explained that the day had been organized within the framework of actions aimed at helping the local population, in addition to the numerous patrols carried out during the day and night for their security. He said that the population in Diahouin also received a 5000-litre tank of drinking water and crutches for disabled people.

The Moroccan doctors treated more than 300 men, women and children, who were suffering from various diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, high blood pressure and childhood illnesses like diarrhea. One of the beneficiaries, Mao Léontine, came with her four-year-old daughter. "She has not eaten and has been vomiting for three days", she explained. The doctor gave me two bottles of syrup which I must give her", said Mrs. Mao.

Diahouin village does not have a health centre and is far from those in surroundings areas. "Diahouin is fortunate to have been chosen for this action in view of its geographical situation", said village chief, Lehi Koua Paul. "Due to the lack of means, the population dies from a simple headache or from a diarrhea", he said.

The village is situated in the outer western limits of the area of responsibility of the Moroccan battalion, which regularly organizes free medical consultations for local people at its headquarters.