Dynamic integration of Afghan national security force, Coalition forces medical efforts help people in Herat

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — Hesitantly, a girl with a single braid and a pink scarf picked up the green crayon and pressed it against the page of the coloring book. She was delighted to see the color transferred to the picture of a cow in a meadow.

Though she probably was unaware that most cows aren't green, the sky isn't pink and grass isn't orange, coloring helped ease her nerves while waiting to be seen by an Afghan doctor. She waited with other children, some also coloring for the first time.

More than 1,300 people from villages in the Ghozora district of Herat province were treated by Afghan doctors and Coalition forces medical personnel over three days, Oct. 6 to Oct. 8. The treatment of 300 people attracted the attention of local media who highlighted the event. The third day, the combined medical team saw over 700 people who walked or were bused in.

Though far from the sterile white walls and elevator music playing in doctor's offices in the United States, the scene in Herat was similar; people waited slightly on edge to be seen next. A table with crayons, bubbles, drinks and sweets was set up for children who waited with their mothers.

Soldiers blew bubbles as kids popped them, unsure of how the magic of bubbles quite worked after seeing them for the first time.

As the line of people shrunk outside, the rooms utilized as exam rooms were busy and bustling with Afghan doctors and nurses and Coalition forces medical personnel. Interpreters rapidly relayed the patients' ailments to those treating them. Many complained of allergy and sinus aggravations or stomach aches. Others had more serious issues like Diabetes, burns or previous fractures that hadn't healed properly.

"Sometimes they have conditions like Diabetes that we just can't really treat out here," said a U.S. Army medic. "That's frustrating, but at least we can try to help curb it."

While doctors and nurses provided care and medicine, a U.S. Army dentist spent the three days examining those who had toothaches or gum problems. Toothpaste and toothbrushes were given to every person seen at the clinic.

"If children are taught to properly to brush their teeth, I wouldn't see all these problems their parents and grandparents have. I wouldn't have to pull teeth like I do," the dentist said through a surgical mask. A woman lay on the dental chair calmly, as he worked carefully to extract a tooth.

Women were seen in a separate area of the building by a staff of Afghan nurses, a Spanish doctor and a specialized U.S. Army doctor. Many women who were seen needed vitamin supplements. Constant pregnancy takes its toll on a woman's body, and vitamins help counter that strain. With 44.5 percent of the population under the age of 14 and women having an average of almost seven children each, according to the CIA World Factbook, women's health is greatly affected by child birth and raising young children.

Heather Dodd, a United Nations deputy medic in the Herat province came to assist the medical staff the third day after hearing about it from a Coalition forces doctor at a nearby military installation. She was impressed with the coordination of the varying nations represented in the staff and the location's transformation from a rough concrete building to a functioning clinic.

"I'm British, but there's also Spanish, Italian, American and most importantly Afghans working here," Dodd said. "The integration is really good. I was really interested in a hands-on- role, and I think this is worthwhile, especially compared to sitting in the office all day."

Dodd's arrival was during the pinnacle of patients arriving on the third day. Doctors, nurses, interpreters, the pharmacist and security elements bumped into each other as they tried to see as many people as possible. Siblings clung to one another, with small children carrying even younger children. Men with canes were carefully escorted through the bustle to exam points.

"There's a good turnout!" Dodd said excitedly. "I think a good turnout shows the confidence the Afghan people have in ISAF and their own doctors."

An Italian doctor kneeled over a boy who had an infection on the side of his foot which rubbed on his sandals. The boy sat quietly in a folding chair, arms crossed and face blank as the Italian doctor scraped at the sore, then cleaned it. The interpreter put some M&Ms in his hand and asked him if he was okay. The boy nodded, smiled slightly and popped all the candy in his mouth even as the doctor grimaced as he worked on the boy's foot.

"It's like they're immune to pain sometimes," the Italian doctor said. "Afghan people are tough. I like working with everyone here and feel like I'm making a difference. It's more than just a good feeling."

The 1,300 people needing and receiving care from the free clinic also demonstrates the great need in the Herat province for improved medical facilities, Dodd said.

"It's a critical problem in this country," she said. "But these type of combined efforts really help out the people who need it most."

To further help those who came in need to the clinic, Afghan National Army soldiers distributed humanitarian supplies to people leaving the clinic. With colder weather settling in the western region of Afghanistan, the need for warmer clothing, shoes, blankets and food is greater. During the three days, five loads of humanitarian supplies in seven-ton trucks were given out.

Great reverence was shown as the ANA soldiers handed out Qurans wrapped in prayer rugs to the village elders. Women were supplied with children's clothing, shoes, socks and food like beans and rice. Children were given new soccer balls and school supplies, including back packs.

The three day operation took extensive planning, especially with the number of varying elements who helped bring it together. Its greatest success was the ability to foster relations with the Afghan people in a safe environment.

"The interaction between us and the people who are in the middle of everything here is important," Dodd said. "There really are some dynamic things happening here."