“Colombia Commitment 2010”: U.S. and Colombian Governments carry out MEDRETE in San Vicente del Caguán and La Macarena Communities

February 1, 2010

In a joint effort to improve health conditions for the people of San Vicente del Caguan and La Macarena municipalities, the U.S. and Colombian Governments are executing a Medical Readiness and Training Exercise (MEDRETE) to provide medical assistance to both communities. This event is held from January 25-February 3, 2010. U.S. Ambassador to Colombia William R. Brownfield and the Colombian Commander for the Armed Forces, Gen. Freddy Padilla de Leon, will travel on Tuesday, February 2 to La Macarena to tour the area where medical services are provided and also greet the beneficiaries.

During the 10 days of this MEDRETE, a group of 35 U.S. medical providers, including eight doctors, will provide patients with preventive medicine, optometry, ophthalmology, dentistry, pediatrics and vaccination services. They will also offer briefings on nutrition and health education. Around 500 patients are expected to be seen per day. As part of the medical care rendered to the population, these U.S. doctors are providing their patients with 3,000 radio sets. U.S. support to this MEDRETE in both towns amounts to US$125,000.

These MEDRETEs are an initiative of the Colombian Government and have the support of the U.S. Embassy Military Group and Southcom.