BELIZE CITY, Belize – Three international health specialists and three non-governmental organization personnel are participating in a humanitarian assistance project in Belize from July 21-25, which encompasses the Global Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics Instructor and Provider Courses.
By participating in humanitarian assistance projects such as Global ALSO, U.S. military medical forces have an opportunity to broaden their experiences and support improvements for our partner nation medical professionals.
“Humanitarian assistance projects, such as Global ALSO, help to provide a clear understanding of the medical capabilities of our partner nations, and a chance to identify areas of improvement and ways to advance skills,” said Capt. Ricardo Sequeria, family medicine resident assigned to the 96th Medical Operations Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. “You get a chance to know them, to really build relationships, and to leave with a sense of collegiality.”
Activities like these are designed to improve the quality of life of the civilian populace, while also promoting interoperability and coalition building with partner nation medical counterparts.
The need for the Global ALSO course came about during New Horizons Belize 2013, when a maternal health assessment was conducted across the regional hospital, clinics, and health posts. The observations from the assessment enhanced the course discussions the following week when 30 Belizean health care providers from around the country went to Dangriga, Belize, to attend the two day Global ALSO Provider Course.
“The best part of humanitarian assistance projects is the ability to provide a gift to others in the form of better health care practices, improved communication skills, and overall service,” said Dr. Robert K. Persons, doctor of osteopathic medicine and fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice.