TELA, Honduras –
Over three days, 18 service members from Army Forces Battalion, Joint Task Force-Bravo, alongside more than 50 Honduran counterparts, provided health care services to 835 Hondurans living in the vicinity of Tela, Honduras, Dec. 3 through 5, 2024.
The multi-day mission took place in Ceibita Way, Mezapita, and Toloa, remote villages near Tela, Honduras. Access to health care in these spread-out communities is difficult due to challenging terrain and the high rate of poverty.
“This is the first time in more than a year I am able to see a doctor,” explained a 63-year-old patient, through a translator. “To see a doctor, I must walk over an hour down a steep road and then take a bus two hours more. This way, my husband and I can get a checkup and vitamins. I’m happy you’re here.” She attended the final day of the mission in Toloa.
Upon entering the treatment area, individuals received a preventative health demonstration covering everything from handwashing techniques to water purification processes and were given basic over-the-counter medications, including multivitamins and ibuprofen. From there, patients underwent an individual medical screening to establish a baseline health assessment and determine the need for further treatment by the 10 doctors and dentists on hand.
“Our missions and the services we provide are carefully designed and planned so that we are in the right places doing the right things,” said SMSgt Katiria Sanchez a medical plans and operations coordinator for JTF-Bravo. “Before we go out, we make sure we are going to the areas with the greatest need and using our resources in the most effective ways. Even just providing simple things like vitamins or performing tooth extractions makes all the difference in the world to these people. I’m honored to be a part of something that improves the lives and well-being of communities across Honduras.”
The team from JTF-Bravo was joined by members from the Ministry of Health, COPECO, Honduran Red Cross, Honduran military, and municipality representatives. Translation support was provided by 13 student volunteers from Tela American School.
Basic healthcare is a serious challenge for individuals living in remote areas. By receiving basic and preventative care, they can keep common ailments and injuries from becoming life-threatening crises.
This year, teams led by JTF-Bravo have performed more than 29 medical missions in Honduras and 9 more throughout Central America, treating more than 9,474 individuals in total. These missions are a hallmark of JTF-Bravo’s 40-year presence in the region and underscore the importance of cultivating deep-rooted partnerships built on goodwill, trust, and collaboration.