West Virginia Secretaries Participate in Historic Visit to Gabon
WV Departments of Health, Health Facilities, and Human Services
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A delegation from West Virginia made history during a visit to the U.S. Embassy in Libreville, Gabon, on November 18, 2024, marking the official launch of the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program (SPP) between the State and the Gabonese Republic. Among the esteemed attendees were DH Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sherri Young and DoHS Cabinet Secretary Dr. Cynthia Persily, whose leadership and contributions underscored the depth of West Virginia’s commitment to this international collaboration.
The delegation, hosted by U.S. Ambassador Vernell Trim FitzPatrick, participated in briefings that provided insights into Gabon’s political, military, and economic landscapes. Dr. Young and Dr. Persily played key roles in discussions about how West Virginia can contribute to Gabon’s public health, disaster preparedness, and educational exchanges, reflecting their respective Department’s missions.
“This partnership is a unique opportunity for West Virginia to extend its expertise globally, and I’m proud to represent West Virginia and the Department of Human Services as we explore ways to support Gabon’s social and economic development,” said Dr. Persily.
Dr. Young emphasized the importance of the trip for fostering connections in public health. “This partnership will allow us to share best practices and address global health challenges collaboratively,” she stated.
The weeklong engagement, which includes cultural exchanges and counterpart meetings, is just the beginning of the partnership. Gabon joins Peru and Qatar as West Virginia’s SPP partner nations. For West Virginia, the relationship also symbolizes an opportunity to highlight the State’s diverse leadership and expertise.
Along with Dr. Young and Dr. Persily, officials from the West Virginia National Guard, the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, and West Virginia University were also in attendance as part of the partnership.