GERESHK, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army soldiers working in support of the Afghan-led Operation Omid Shash distributed medical supplies to the local community in Gereshk, Afghanistan, Feb. 15.
Since much of the neighborhood was already gathered in the area for a shura, Sgt. Azizullah, an ANA medic, handed out personal hygiene items to the locals of the small village.
“Today, we distributed the medicine that the coalition forces gave us,” Azizullah said. “We gave out vitamins, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, Vaseline, and baby powder.”
The 21-year-old also took the time to explain to the village residents, many of which have never used the hygiene items before, how to properly apply and use them. Due to the amount of time the local community spends working in the harsh climate of Afghanistan, he felt helping the villagers get the most out of the items would markedly improve their quality of life.
Unfortunately for the local community, the remote location of their village places them far away from any major bazaars or medical professionals. The soldier from Kunar province feels that bringing medical support to the village is a tremendous help to the local populace.
“Gereshk Bazaar is too far from here—they also don’t have any clinics or doctors nearby,” Azizullah said. “We came here with our coalition counterparts and distributed the medicine. We also treated some patients. This shows our ability to help and cooperate with the people.”
Not only are events like the medical supplies distribution beneficial to the recipients, but also to the ANA and coalition forces dispensing the items.
“If we continue to help them, they will become close to us and be more likely to cooperate with ANA and coalition forces,” Azizullah said. “They help us by giving us information and showing us where the [improvised explosive devices] in the area are located.”