Photo By Staff Sgt. Jake Carter | U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Cheikhou Ngom, Civil Affairs team sergeant, helps a Beninese...... read more read more
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Working alongside a Special Operations Command Africa cross functional team, the Forces Armées Béninoises helped plan, advise and execute a Medical Civic Action Program in Natitingou, Benin, Nov. 6-8, 2024, with the goal of improving health conditions in Northern Benin.
A MEDCAP provides healthcare in underserved areas, as well as strengthens partnerships and builds trust between the military and the communities they serve. Medical personnel are also able to exchange best practices and learn about resources as well as challenges unique to that area.
“We are conducting the MEDCAP in Natitingou to provide free healthcare and medication to the local population in partnership with our American civil affair partners,” said FAB Lt. Col. Tassou Abdou Wassiou, Operation Mirador head of civil military actions. “This also allows us to grow and build a bigger relationship between the military and local population in this area which has had instability.”
During planning, the FAB and U.S. military worked with local leaders to identify healthcare needs across the community. Additionally, doctors and medics from Benin worked side-by-side with the FAB and U.S. military to complete medical examinations and prescribe medication.
“Most of these areas don’t have access to medication and the basics like malaria medication and mosquito nets which could prevent disease,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Cheikhou Ngom, 91st Civil Affairs Battalion team sergeant. “The FAB compiled a list with the top 10 diseases in the area and from that list we try to provide as much medication to combat those problems.”
During the event, more than 1,300 members of the local population received aid.
“We were able to provide free care to the locals which helped create better relationships and connections between the FAB and the community as we try to deter recruitment from violent extremist organizations in the area,” said Wassou. “This is the fourth time we have conducted a MEDCAP in Benin, and we couldn’t do it without our American partners. We hope to continue growing this partnership while countering terrorism across Benin.”
MEDCAPs not only enhance the well-being and health across the community, but help with fostering enduring partnerships, facilitating cultural exchanges and strengthening relationships.
“Ongoing MEDCAPs underscore the U.S. military's unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our partners,” said U.S. Army Col. Benjamin Kenion, Benin’s Office of Security cooperation chief. “By working alongside partner forces, we not only enhance their capacity but also help them build trust and strengthen connections with the civilian populations they serve."
| Date Taken: | 11.08.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 12.16.2024 04:07 |
| Story ID: | 487286 |
| Location: | NATITINGOU, BJ |
| Web Views: | 85 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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