More Than 300 People Get Medical Humanitarian Aid
A large-scale humanitarian and medical treatment effort took place in the Kandahar province in Afghanistan on February 25th. Both Coalition forces and Afghanistan National Police participated in the distribution effort.
“This was very helpful, several of us have not had food for a couple of days,†said Gul Mohammad. Mohammad is a local man who received aid in the joint forces effort.
A visit by Afghan National Army Forces in February prompted the food distribution. Local citizens talked to the Afghan Army and talked about food shortages, and the absence of health care from the harsh winter. Because of these things the food distribution was planned and implemented using both IA army forces and coalition troops.
Villagers were treated by military medics for flu and cold symptoms, and other disease. The harsh Afghan winter has led to more sickness than is normally found. One case of leishmaniasis was discovered during the medical effort, and a number of eye infections were discovered as well.
Normally there would not be very many women who appeared for medical treatment, this has been because of distrust on the part of Afghanistan nationals in the local villages. Men and children normally are the ones who respond with few female villagers being seen.
A large number of women showed up for treatment this time. It is regarded as a show of trust that these women came forward. “The Villagers are showing increased respect and trust for the Afghanistan government and Army,†said Captain Vanessa Bowman. Captain Bowman is an Army officer Coalition spokesman.
