Parque Nacional da Gorongosa Moçambique

USAID Assistant Administrator Katherine Almquist visits Gorongosa

Jan 25, 2009 - Gorongosa National Park

The Assistant Administrator for the United States Agency for International Development in Africa (USAID/Africa) Katherine Almquist visited Gorongosa National Park on October 25, 2008, as part of a working visit to Mozambique.  She learned about a variety of human development and conservation projects in and around the Park.

The Assistant Administrator of USAID/Africa, Katherine Almquist arrives in Chitengo, Gorongosa National Park

Her visit included a trip to the Park’s neighboring village Vinho in the Nhamatanda district to the school and hospital buildings.  The Vinho health clinic is a contribution of the Gorongosa Restoration Project as part of the Mozambican Ministry of Health’s plan to open or refurbish hundreds of rural clinics country-wide, including 54 clinics in communities in the Gorongosa National Park area. 

The Assistant Administrator of USAID/Africa, Katherine Almquist, and Deputy to the Mission Director of USAID/Mozambique, Kevin Armstrong, are greeted by Carr Foundation President, Greg Carr

Francisco Adolfo, one of the nurses at the Vinho Heath Center, briefed Ms. Almquist on the importance of the social services provided to the community of Vinho and other neighboring areas. The majority of patients who visit the health center are treated for symptoms of malaria.  At least ten pregnant women have tested positive for HIV during their visits to the health center over the past three months.

Todd Amani, Director of USAID/Mozambique (seen on the left) and Greg Carr (right)

During her visit to the Vinho school, the Assistant Administrator discussed retention rates for girls in school and the strategies to keep them in school with School Director, Leonel José Domingos.  Primary school-aged females represent the largest numbers of school dropouts in Mozambique.  Girls leave school for various reasons, including early marriage, care for sick parents, and domestic chores.

Members of Gorongosa National Park and of the nearby Vinho community escort the USAID delegation during their visit

Assistant Administrator Almquist also made a visit to the Gorongosa Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary boasts several buildings that provide conservation services, including a laboratory for veterinary research.  Activities in the Sanctuary since 2007 include animal repopulation of the Park, with a focus on relocating 80 buffalo, 180 blue wildebeest, six elephant bulls, and five hippos to Gorongosa.

Katherine Almquist listening to explanations from Vinho School Director, Leonel Domingos (wearing cap) and Mateus Mutemba (middle)

At the end of her visit, the Assistant Administrator went on a three-hour game drive to experience the fascinating landscapes that characterize the diversity of distinct ecosystems in Gorongosa National Park. She was able to experience the prairies dotted with miombo woodland, typical savanannas, acacia and baobab trees, herbivores and carnivores, and many exotic bird species.

Katherine Almquist leaving the Vinho Health Clinic

Katherine Almquist’s working visit constitutes one part of USAID’s system to monitor activities undertaken by their cooperative partners, such as the Carr Foundation.