More than 1,000 villagers of Shimbir and Balich, Kenya, just got a dose of preventative medicine in addition to having their needs treated by airmen and other service members representing a Medical Civic Action Program of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. TSgt. Carrie Bernard reports that patients were screened for their specific healthcare needs, and then sent to either the consult station to be seen by doctors and physician assistants or to the wound care station for scrapes and aches. The MECAP provided about 150 types of medications, as well as such items as multi-vitamins and personal de-worming medication. A CJTF-HOA public health officer said those are critical to help prevent diseases such as scurvy, beriberi, ascariasis, and anemia—all prevalent in the region.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
