Press Releases

TPDF and U.S. military collaborate on Msata Dispensary renovation

August 17, 2006

MEDCAPs also reach thousands in Bagamoyo District

MSATA, TANZANIA – Senior officials from the Bagamoyo District, Tanzania Peoples’ Defense Force, the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam and Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa gathered here Aug. 17 to dedicate the newly renovated Msata Dispensary. The group also observed a medical civic assistance project (MEDCAP) at the nearby Masugulu Clinic.

The dispensary renovation was just one of several humanitarian civic assistance projects the TPDF and U.S. military completed together in the Bagamoyo District during the past two weeks.

The dispensary refurbishment consisted of the installation of new ceilings, a complete replacement of all electrical amenities, interior and exterior painting, and landscaping. TPDF and U.S. military engineers worked side by side installing new electrical wiring, a breaker box and service panel, interior and exterior light fixtures, ceiling fans, switches and receptacles.

In addition to the engineering project, medical professionals from the TPDF and U.S. military also provided acute care to more than X,000 people at dispensaries in Kiwangwa, Fukoyosi, Makurunge and Masugulu during the past week. Patients were administered preventative medications and multi-vitamins, and were also provided counseling and education.

These humanitarian projects were part of Exercise Natural Fire, a multi-lateral training exercise involving military personnel from the East African Community, U.S.-based units and the CJTF-HOA. The 10-day exercise, which was conducted for the first time since 2000, took place in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda simultaneously Aug. 8-18.