SAATLI – Today, thanks to joint efforts between the United States and Azerbaijan, residents of the villages of Kamalli and Alisoltanli in the district of Saatli celebrated the completion of a new medical facility and the renovation of a kindergarten. Mrs. Anne Cekuta, spouse of U.S. Ambassador Cekuta, and representatives of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Ministry of Economy, the Saatli Executive Committee, and municipal government attended the event. USAID and the Government of Azerbaijan co-financed the projects, which were managed by the East-West Management Institute (EWMI).

With U.S.-sponsored technical support provided by EWMI, Kamalli residents worked with local and regional governments to replace an aging one-room medical point with a new facility able to meet the community’s healthcare needs. The new facility, which includes an examination room and a waiting room, will improve the day-to-day access to healthcare for more than 2,000 people from Kamalli and neighboring villages.

In Alisoltanli, residents also fully renovated the local kindergarten and constructed two additional rooms to meet the needs of an increasing number of local children. The renovated kindergarten will now provide a warm, safe, and a healthy learning environment for 70 of the community’s children.  This stronger education platform will contribute to building a more prosperous Azerbaijan.   

Via EWMI, the United States and Azerbaijan have implemented 107 community projects in 95 Azerbaijani communities benefiting more than 158,000 people. Through USAID’s Socio-Economic Development Activity (SEDA) program, EWMI promotes cooperation between citizens, civil society organizations, and the government to advance socio-economic development and improve the quality of life in rural areas.