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APS Nashville Medical Team Lends Helping Hand in Nigerian Medical Centers

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090324-09
Release Date: 3/24/2009 4:06:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Bookwalter, Africa Partnership Station Nashville Public Affairs

LAGOS, Nigeria (NNS) -- The Department of Defense (DoD) medical team embarked aboard USS Nashville (LPD 13) for Africa Partnership Station (APS) visited the Obisean Medical Center Apapa and the medical clinic at Ojo Naval Base in Lagos, Nigeria, and will assist local doctors in several medical procedures until March 26.

The seven-member team, all of which bring their own specialties, come from several different commands. In the few short weeks they have been together, they have been able to give supplies and service to several locations in both Ghana and Nigeria.

In Nigeria, the team took the opportunity to give away supplies and act as extra hands around the clinic.

"We gave away three pallets of supplies with everything from bedding to medicine," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Sule Abiodum, a surgical technician assigned to the team. "Sixty percent of what we gave away was medicine and vitamins."

Despite transportation challenges, the team improvised to make the most of the mission.

"There wasn't a set plan when we came here," said Capt. Dennis Amundson, the medical team's officer in charge. "Our original intent was to meet halfway and see patients together as a part of [an] outreach program. That changed because of transportation issues."

Working without a set plan proved to be an advantage; however, as the team could be extremely flexible. Instead of seeing patients out in town, they worked with the Nigerian doctors in the hospital, opening opportunities for the team to scrub in and observe surgeries, visit with patients and practice medicine in Nigeria.

They were impressed with what they saw on site, Amundson said.

"We've seen that they can work with nearly nothing. Their lab has very little equipment, but they take everything that comes to their door," he said.

Working together, both the Nigerian and U.S. doctors walked away with renewed understanding.

"They reminded me of stuff I have forgotten about," Amundson said. "They understand their patients much better than we do."

The continued partnership that is built by countries working side-by-side affects more than just the military personnel.

"I hope things can continue," said Lt. Yi Bida, a Nigerian naval doctor. "It helps the patients build confidence."

Nashville is currently deployed with APS, an international initiative developed by Naval Forces Europe and Naval Forces Africa which aims to work cooperatively with U.S. and international partners to improve maritime safety and security on the African continent. Nashville is focused on supporting the APS strategy in West and Central Africa.