The Pacific Angel (PAC ANGEL), a joint regional humanitarian assistance and disaster relief engagement funded by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, has returned to the central province of Quang Nam.

The Pacific Angel delivers free medical checkups in Quang Nam province. (Photo: qdnd.vn)

According to the U.S. Air Force’s Lieutenant Colonel Vinh Trinh, PAC ANGEL 2018-2 mission commander, the programme will set up humanitarian aid plans and work with authorities in Vietnam to help residents in Quang Nam province.

From September 10-15, the programme has given free medical checkups, medicine and treatment to more than 4,000 locals who have ophthalmological and dental problems.

A subject matter expert (SME) exchange for woman and infant health took place at the provincial Department of Health, and Reproductive Healthcare Centre in Tam Ky city. Drawing the participation of 80 doctors, nurses, midwifes and other healthcare workers, the exchange focused on early screening of breast and cervical cancer, and global initiatives for breast feeding while providing updates on birth control methods.

Meanwhile, the other SME exchange for non-communicable diseases was held at the Preventive Medicine Centre of Quang Nam province, with a focus on theories, techniques and practices for the control and management of diabetes and hypertension.

Also, members of the programme are repairing schools, medical stations and culture houses in Nui Thanh, Tien Phuoc and Phu Ninh districts, and Tam Ky city.

Last year, more than 1,300 locals received dental, ear and throat treatment. Doctors of the programme shared professional experience with their Vietnamese counterparts in treating diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and marternal and child healthcare.

PAC ANGEL 2018-2 is one of the four PAC ANGEL humanitarian assistance programmes taking place in 2018. Earlier this year, the same events were conducted in Timor Leste, Vanuatu and Sri Lanka.

Now entering its 11^th year, PAC ANGEL has ensured that the region’s militaries are prepared to work together to address humanitarian crises./.

VNF/VNA