The Ambassador of the United States of America, Joseph D. Stafford last Friday, inuagurated a medical laboratory clinic, sponsored by the US Department of Defence HIV/Aids Prevention Programme(DHAPP) at the Yundum Military Barracks.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Ambassador Stafford, said the cooperation between the US Office of Defence and the GAF HIV/ Aids programme is symbolic of the cooperation between the two countries, not only in the fight against HIV/Aids, but also in the areas of politics, economy and military.
He said GAF should be commended for providing counseling and testing services to its officers. “Counseling and testing is also a preventive tool in the fight against Hiv /Aids. Effective voluntary counseling and testing can lead a person to change his or her risky behaviours,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Defence staff, Lt. Colonel Peter Sighateh, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, said “The lab will serve as a voluntary counseling and testing facility, as well as provide other medical services to them”.

He assured the Ambassador that the lab will be taken care of and properly managed for its intended purpose.

He also used the occasion to commend the Gambian leader, President Jammeh, for his efforts in curing Hiv /Aids.

The ceremony which was chaired by the Army PRO Lt. Alhajie Sanneh, was attended by service chiefs, men and officers of the Gambia Armed Forces and their wives.