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By Ronald Reeves
215th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
IRAQ - Two American citizens, born in Iraq, work for the National Iraqi Assistance Center, a non-governmental organization, providing public health care and training to Iraqis and Iraqi forces.
Dr. Sam, and Am-Sadd (names used for security) recently saw more than 700 people at two Basra area clinics, while the Iraqi army provided security. They also met with the Basra Health Department director.
"We have traveled from Karbala, to Samara and Diyala -- all over – helping treat people and [giving] public health assessment information," said Dr. Sam.
Operation Charge of the Knights, which began March 25 continues the process clearing strongholds previously dominated by criminal militias.
As areas are cleared, ISF and IA elements are providing humanitarian aid and security for medical personnel to assist at medical service clinics throughout Basra.
"I enjoy working to help Iraqi people and [giving] them hope. I think the people have hope now; they see the Iraqi Army helping in cities. The action taken in Basra has helped this area," said Am-Sadd.
Iraqi army soldiers helped monitor the flow of people coming for treatment, preventative care and assessments during Dr. Sam and Am-Sadd's visit to the Basra clinics. Both trained IA medics, on site, to improve the quality of care for both Soldiers and citizens of Basra.
"We are helping tell the people how to take care of themselves," said Dr. Sam. "The quality of medical care is improving thanks to donated supplies and medical equipment; new medical books are arriving. Medical advancements, new drugs and methods are always changing as the level of care improves," said Dr. Sam, "women are getting better pre-natal care."
"Hypertension is one of the main problems I see. We are trying to give public health education to the Iraqi people. One man I saw had blood pressure way high over 200. I feel glad I came back, said Dr. Sam.
"We are grateful for coalition forces helping. The Iraqi army has helped us too, and this cooperation can help people live lives safer... to have peace, democracy -- go out to these health assessments," said Am Saad.
| Date Taken: | 05.16.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 05.16.2008 12:03 |
| Story ID: | 19469 |
| Location: | IQ |
| Web Views: | 252 |
| Downloads: | 234 |
This work, Iraqi-born Americans return to help Iraqis, by Ronald A. Reeves, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
