Afghan National Security Forces advised by Coalition Forces conducted a medical outreach and humanitarian civil assistance visit for the inhabitants of Sangar Valley in late January.

Since the Afghan National Army (ANA) knows the area they operate in well, it was them who decided what items to distribute in the valley mostly inhabited by farmers. The ANA handed out clothing items, blankets, buckets, and basic food items like beans, flour, oil, sugar, tea and salt. Most areas of Afghanistan are really poor and basic items like these can make a world of a difference. This area has been known for growing poppies in the past.

US Army Medics and a Physician Assistants provided basic medical care and handed out much-needed medications. The area is surrounded by tall mountains; there are no regular visits here by a doctor. The closest hospital is in Mehter Lam, miles and miles away, which is not that easy to travel in the midst of the winter months, without a vehicle.

The most commonly occurring illnesses besides common colds are malaria and diphtheria. Medical personnel have seen approximately 100 patients just this one cold January day.

Coalition Forces with the ANA has been working for years to help the farmers in this area. The locals trust the medics and the ANA and are very appreciative for having a medical outreach and humanitarian civil assistance program in place.