U.S. Africa Command Special Operations Forces host medical civic action program in Ghana

Photo By Senior Airman Cydnie Williams | Soldiers assigned to the 91st Civil Affairs Battalion speak to local children during a medical civic action program (MEDCAP) in Yendi, Ghana, August 31, 2022. MEDCAPs serve as temporary field clinics to provide limited medical treatment to the local population. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Cydnie Williams)  

YENDI, GHANA

09.28.2022

Courtesy Story

Special Operations Command Africa

Yendi, Ghana -- U.S. Army Civil Affairs members representing Special Operations Command Africa hosted a medical civic action program with Ghanaian soldiers from the 6th Infantry Battalion in Yendi, Ghana, from August 31 – September 1, 2022. The team oversaw the treatment of approximately 1,000 patients during the MEDCAP’s two-day duration.

The U.S. Army Civil Affairs members, assigned to the 91st Civil Affairs Battalion, and Ghanaian soldiers provided a range of medical services to a diverse set of patients to include young children and the elderly. The team performed medical examinations and diagnostic care, and prescribed medications. Patients received vision exams and corrective lenses if necessary. The assembled team also distributed anti-malaria medication to affected patients. MEDCAPs serve as temporary field clinics to provide limited medical care to the local population. Through these MEDCAPs, both partner nations exchange medical best practices to ensure a high quality of care to the treated patients.

MEDCAPs enable an opportunity to not only enhance the health and vitality of the local population but they also facilitate a cultural exchange with the surrounding community. These events strengthen the relationship between the two partner nations to address insecurity and instability within the borders.

At the Ghana Armed Forces' request, U.S. forces have frequently engaged with Ghana on multiple military and civil affair exchanges. The recent MEDCAP represents the second MEDCAP collaboration with Ghana this year. The previous MEDCAP took place in Karaga in June. U.S. special operations forces conducted a Joint Combined Exchange Training in Bundase last March in conjunction with humanitarian assistance operations in local Ghanaian communities. U.S. forces also provided humanitarian relief in the town of Bogoso in response to a HAZMAT vehicle explosion last January.

Ghana will also be hosting the Flintlock 2023 exercise after serving as a participant in past years. Flintlock is the premier special operations exercise in Africa with 30 participating nations.

These joint engagements and exercises illustrate the mutually beneficial partnership between U.S. and Ghanaian forces and signify SOCAFRICA’s longstanding commitment to the African continent.

• Date Taken: 09.28.2022
• Date Posted: 09.28.2022 08:33
• Story ID: 430238
• Location: YENDI, GH