BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – 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.