Niamey, Niger – The U.S. Embassy in Niamey recently held an award ceremony and luncheon to honor Commandant Dr. Bello Doua Mahamadou of the Forces Armées Nigériennes (FAN) for his contributions to military health. This event was organized through the Department of Defense’s Office of Security Cooperation.
Dr. Bello was recognized for his leadership in the Military Laboratory Quality Improvement Plus program, which is part of the Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program and Project ECHO Global Health Service. This initiative aims to enhance military labs across Africa to improve disease detection capabilities, particularly for HIV, benefiting both troops and local communities.
Since its inception in 2014, this program has assisted military labs throughout sub-Saharan Africa in advancing their disease testing and monitoring abilities. In 2024, a new phase called the “Laboratory Champions Initiative” was introduced to ensure sustainable improvements by encouraging lab leaders to mentor others and share expertise.
Dr. Bello distinguished himself among candidates from seven countries by uniting military labs from various nations including Benin, Chad, Gabon, Gambia, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, and Togo. He advocated for these countries' needs and worked towards securing support at national and regional levels.
His efforts have strengthened the MLQI+ network's independence and resilience. Dr. Bello's emphasis on collaboration, mentoring, and innovation has left a significant impact on regional security and public health in Africa.
The U.S. Embassy alongside the Department of Defense’s Office of Security Cooperation acknowledged Dr. Bello's accomplishments as a testament to the partnership between the United States and Niger. Both nations are committed to fostering a future marked by security, stability, and self-reliance.