Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) commanding general, along with several other distinguished visitors, cut the ribbon at the Karta Health Clinic ceremony, Jan. 30, 2014.

The Karta health clinic was in cooperation with United States Agency for International Development (USAID), under the supervision of CJTF-HOA CJ-44 engineers.   USAFRICOM funded Humanitarian Assistance project with Naval Facilities Engineering Command contract support.

“It’s an honor for me to be here today for the inauguration of the Karta Health Clinic,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Wayne Grigsby Jr. CJTF-HOA commanding general. “It’s an honor for me to be here to represent CJTF-HOA in its collaboration effort,”

The clinic consists of a consultative clinic, maternity center, living quarters for duty nurses, an incinerator, and three cisterns. The contractors also installed solar panels for electricity and a water distribution system that is connected to the village’s water supply.

“Healthy people are free from the worry of not knowing where to receive healthcare. This can help to build strong societies, which in turn helps to improve human welfare,” Grigsby Jr. said.

After Minister of Health Dr. Kassim Issak Osman, Grigsby Jr., and U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti Geeta Pasi gave speeches during the ceremony, they toured the clinic and spoke with community members.

“We (CJTF-HOA) look forward to working together in the collaboration of health; to complete future projects in Djibouti such as this outstanding health clinic here in Karta,” Grigsby Jr. said.

The clinic will give the people of Karta easier access to a medical facility.

“Here in Djibouti, you always say ‘good day, good year’ and wish someone good health,” said Anderson. “This year, with the initiation of this program, we can actually mean it when we say ‘good health.’”