America's North Shore Journal

Lt. Cmdr. Kelley A. Newman, physicians assistant with the Provincial Reconstruction Team puts one of her younger patients at ease with some stuffed animal humor.

DVIDS

Afghan national security forces, assisted by coalition forces, provided medical and humanitarian assistance for villagers from Now Zad and Qaleh-ye-Gaz in Abazah, Musa Qaleh, Helmand Province, Feb. 13.

“Allah has answered my prayers for the medicine you have brought,” said a villager.

The force arrived to the remote village to see many smiling children. Medical personnel cared for approximately 250 men, women and children. A continuing positive trend throughout Afghanistan is the increasing number of women seeking medical treatment from Afghan and coalition forces medical personnel.

“We were surprised to see so many women being treated because historically, village elders and husbands don’t allow their women to come out of their compounds,” said an Afghan National Army soldier. “This is a strong indication of trust for the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and ANSF.”

Another part of the operation gave children an oral hygiene class. As the soldiers distributed the products and taught the class, the children cheered.

“Thank you for coming to our village because a lot of us are unable to afford to see a doctor,” said a villager.

In addition to the medical assistance, the ANSF handed out two bundles of blankets, 200 pairs of shoes, 100 sweaters, 300 pairs of socks and gloves.

“These supplies were needed. Unfortunately, you could see children out in the cold with no shoes,” said a coalition soldier. “The population was very pleased by supply of warm clothing.”

Members of the ANSF held a shura to conclude the visit. Villagers expressed concern over their future job opportunities. In response to this concern, the ANSF said they would discuss the matter with the district manager and reminded the villagers that the aid they received was in direct response to their request for help from government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. This provided the villagers with proof that their provincial communication system worked.