People residing in rural areas in Upolu are currently receiving top notch professional medical care, compliments of the 40-member medical team from the United States Army Reserve’s 9th Mission Support Command.

The Reservists who were sent here to augment Samoa’s medical capacity during the recent Commonwealth Youth Games, have been divided into smaller groups and placed at the district medical clinics at Faleolo, Poutasi and Lufilufi, as well as the main hospital at Motootua, to provide direct care, including dental care, to patients.

As was evident yesterday at the Poutasi, Falealili District Medical Clinic, the rural population are taking advantage of this free health service and have been turning up in numbers since the clinics got underway this week.

According to Army Healthcare Provider Lieutenant Colonel Cynthia Copp, they have noticed that many patients especially the elderly are affected mainly by lifestyle diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

“We have come across many health problems like various rash and fevers, but many are suffering from diabetes and hypertension which often leads to heart diseases,” LTC Copp revealed. “This is because of their diet and the lack of exercise. To try and solve this problem, we are holding health clinics where we apply visual education techniques to try and explain to them what is happening inside their bodies because of the types of foods they are consuming.

“Using pictures and charts to illustrate this point is all very well, but to have the people actually see the products which cause the most harm to their health and exacerbate diabetes and hypertension, is more effective.”

During yesterday’s clinic, the US Army Reserve team worked hand in hand with National Health Service staff in providing this service, with the Reservists explaining the subject matter while their local health counterparts translated for the patients.

Dr. Chandler Tuilagi who was on duty yesterday at the Poutasi District Medical Clinic thanked the visiting health professionals for their service.

He pointed out that it was very beneficial not only for the general population in terms of free professional healthcare, but the subject matter exchange with regards to the different medical approaches and methods used to solve the same health problems, is invaluable to them as health professionals.

Poutasi, Falealili resident Afia Ulusi’a also commented on the clinic’s benefits.

“It has been very enlightening for me and I’m sure all the elderly folks here today now have an idea of what is happening inside their bodies,” he shared. “It was very informative and it was a real eye-opener for me especially regarding the right kind of food that one should eat.

“It’s like the saying that not everything that shines is gold, because the various food and drinks sold in the stores may be inside fancy and colourful containers, but that doesn’t mean they are healthy! I would like to thank the team from the US Army Reserve for this service to our people.”

This is the second U.S. Army Reserve mission to Samoa in as many years, with members of the 1984th U.S. Army Hospital unit of the 9th MSC providing similar support during last year’s UN SIDS conference. 

The team will be offering their services for the people of Manono Island today in a trip coordinated through the resident Peace Corps Volunteers.