BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces advised, by Coalition forces, provided medical checkups and humanitarian aid to more than 100 villagers near Khorma in the Tarin Kowt District of Oruzgan Province Jan. 6.
The project, led by Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police units, was planned in an effort to support the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s effort to improve medical care and distribute supplies to help Afghans living in remote areas of the country.
ANSF and Coalition soldiers met with village elders to discuss the needs of residents and see what projects could be planned for future visits to the village after arriving in the village.  The elders quickly passed word of the aid delivery mission to residents.
Villagers lined up according to their needs, with some families needing medical care while others only needed supplies to help get them through the harsh Afghan winter.
 Village elders prepared to distribute items while the combined force unloaded a trailer full of medicine and medical supplies, food and vitamins.  ANP brought winter clothes, including sweaters, jackets, shoes and boots.  Some families received toothbrushes, toothpaste, bowls, lotion, soap and infant formula according to their needs. 
 The medics treated several adults and children for minor ailments, but overall, everyone was fairly healthy.  Only a few needed treatment for cold and flu symptoms or minor skin infections.
 After handing out food and supplies and treating minor ailments, ANSF and Coalition medics conducted preventive medicine classes for many of the residents. 
“The village elders were very appreciative for the aid the ANSF brought,” said a Coalition soldier.  “They were very grateful that we provided quality medical treatment and supplies.”
“The Afghan National Police, including Oruzgan Provincial Police Chief Juma Gul, was instrumental in providing security for the mission and the village. The ANP donated radios, pens, pencils, notebooks and rugs as gifts from the ANSF,” explained an ANSF soldier. “The villagers are very happy to have ANP patrol their area.  Village elders said that they now feel safe.”
 “ANSF missions such as this greatly improve the health and welfare of villagers who live in very remote locations, like Khorma. It also allows them to build stronger relationships with the villagers,” explained a Coalition soldier.  “Villagers know they can trust ANSF and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to provide for their needs.”

An Afghan National policeman greets a young Afghan boy during a visit with villagers near Khorma in the Tarin Kowt District of Oruzgan Province Jan. 6. Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition forces provided medical care and distributed supplies to help Afghans living in remote areas get through the long Afghan winter. (Photo by Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan)

Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police and village elders prepare to distribute supplies to villagers near Khorma in the Tarin Kowt District of Oruzgan Province Jan. 6. Villagers received food, vitamins, personal hygiene items, and winter clothes, including sweaters, jackets, shoes and boots.  (Photo by Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan)

A young Afghan boy caries personal hygiene items provided by Afghan National Security Forces during a visit to Khorma in the Tarin Kowt District of Oruzgan Province Jan. 6. Villagers received food, vitamins, and winter clothes, including sweaters, jackets, shoes and boots.  (Photo by Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan)