Odienné, 18 December 2009... The United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), on Thursday, 17 December, handed over the keys to a health centre in Sirana, which was rehabilitated through its Quick Impact Projects programme.

At a cost of 6.426.240 FCFA, the rehabilitation of the health centre included the building of delivery rooms, wards, a pharmacy, a consultation room and accommodation for a nurse.

"We are very happy today because by rehabilitating this health centre you have created good conditions for our wives to give birth, and we will no longer have to travel long distances for treatment", said Koné Soumaila, who was speaking on behalf of villagers in Sirana, Gbessaso, Touroni, Samesso and Siranakoro, a Guinean village, situated 4 km from Sirana.

The district's director of Health, Amani Kouassi, noted with satisfaction the humanitarian character of UNOCI's actions, which he said went beyond its primary mission, which was to maintain a ceasefire and keep the peace. It also contributes to improving the living conditions of the population through its actions on the ground.

The keys to the centre, which had been abandoned since the crisis started in 2002, was handed over by the Civil Affairs Officer in Odienné, Ildefonse N'duwimana, during a ceremony chaired by the Prefect of the region, Soro Kaha