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BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (February 28, 2008) - More than 300
Afghans received medical treatment and humanitarian aid from the
Afghan National Police and Coalition forces in the Arghandab
District of Kandahar province, Afghanistan, Feb. 25.
"I have been two days without food, and this aid that you
brought us today is very helpful," said Gul Mohammad, a local who
received aid.
This mission was in response to a visit in early February by the
Afghan National Army. ANA attended a community development council
where the locals raised concerns about the poor economy and absence
of health care resulting, in part, from a harsh winter.
Medics treated villagers for typical cold and flu symptoms,
malnutrition, and one case of leishmaniasis on the return visit. A
significant number of eye infections were referred to the local
clinic.
In a show of increased confidence in the ANA, a large number of
women received medical exams and subsequent treatment. Normally
patients are men and children with very few female
participants.
"The villagers were pleased with the time and effort that was
given to them by the ANP and Coalition forces," said Army Capt.
Vanessa Bowman, a Coalition spokesman. "The Kuchis are typically
nomads and are facing hard times because of the winter. Kuchis live
off of the land and many of their animals died this winter from
exposure."
The combined force handed out rice, beans, tea and sugar to
assist the Kuchis. Some of the children and adults displayed the
early signs of malnutrition during the medical exams.
"The nutritious foods supplied in the humanitarian aid package
will mitigate the risk of malnutrition and help this community get
through the rest of the winter," Bowman said.
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