US Air Force provides free medical service, rehabilitation works
The United States Air Force medical team is inviting those living in Tavua and surrounding areas to visit their temporary Health Centre for free medical service.
More than 100 people flocked to Tagitagi Sangam Primary School in Tavua yesterday and the team will be there until Saturday. PACANGEL 17 consisting of 65 US Air Force personnel is in the country for a joint humanitarian assistance exercise that includes general health, dental, optometry, paediatrics, and engineering programs, as well as various subjectmatter expert exchanges.
Pacific Air Force Public Affairs, Captain Samantha Morrison said the alliance consists of four different events concurrently in place in four different locations across the Pacific.
“We have just concluded one in Philippines and there are two more countries after Fiji. Pacific Angel has been going for 10 years now. It started in 2007,” Captain Morrison said.
Captain Morrison said they were excited to be in Fiji and working with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and the local nongovernmental organisations to provide health services and civil engineering programmes to local communities.
“Apart from strengthening partnership between us and Fiji we are also given the opportunity to help other communities,” she said. “We get to make friends and it’s an amazing experience. We love being in Fiji to help.”
Pacific Global Health Engagements - United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy Bragdon said they were in Fiji on the invitation of the Fijians and the RFMF.
“The purpose of this exercise is to develop shared capabilities in responding to natural disasters such as cyclones, volcanoes, tsunamis, earthquakes - how we would work together and improve responds to the needs of the people,” Lieutenant-Colonel Bragdon said.
“The other projects includes civil engineering projects where we (US Army) rehabilitate schools and other structures. “I extend a warm welcome and invitation to Fijians to come and be part of our medical check-up.” This is a partnership between the US Air Force and RFMF in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
A similar health check-up will be provided to people in the Northern Division at Naweni District School in Savusavu from July 21 to 22.