A. M. 
Courtesy
The U.S. government, through the military group at the Embassy in San Salvador, in collaboration with their salvadoran counterparts from the Ministry of Public Health, conducted a military medical exercise from august 18 to september 6 in different locations in El Salvador. The medical teams of the “Amistad” program worked in 7 facilities of the salvadoran health system, including four hospitals and three Health Units.
“Amistad” is a U.S. military initiative to deploy medical teams to partner countries, providing critical medical services to enhance disaster response capabilities and foster international collaboration. In total, the U.S. invested US$100,000 in medicines and medical equipment, providing the public with more than 1,509 medical services in a variety of specialties. In addition to medical services, the U.S. provided portable ultrasound, volumetric infusion pumps and a thermonebulizer pump to combat dengue fever.
This program offers U.S. and salvadoran physicians the opportunity to work together and exchange knowledge on how to treat various diseases. Training was carried out at the National Health Institute, including laparoscopic urology simulations in three hospitals; Rosales, Zacamil and Chalatenango.
Training was also provided in obstetric trauma care, in support of the “Nacer con Cariño” program and emergency treatment. In addition, more than 100 professionals from all over the country were able to participate in a mental health symposium focused on helping the country integrate psychologists into primary care to improve access to mental health care. This symposium highlighted how to build sustainable models that El Salvador can implement.
The medical brigades reached six communities in Chalatenango, Cojutepeque and llopango, offering beneficiaries a range of medical specialties, including urology surgery, optometry, trauma surgery and other specialties such as pulmonology, pediatrics, psychology, dental care, and primary and family medicine.
This program is yet another example of the strong bilateral relations between the U.S. and El Salvador on behalf of salvadorans.
