ESQUIPULAS, Guatemala. –
Civil Affairs Team 4361, assigned to Army Forces Battalion, Joint Task Force-Bravo, and the U.S. Southern Command Humanitarian Assistance Program partnered with the Guatemalan Ministry of Health to donate excess medical equipment valued at more than $250,000 to the city of Esquipulas, Guatemala, Jan. 28, 2026.
This excess property donation provided medical equipment to the Centro de Salud in the Municipality of Esquipulas, which will help to serve approximately 25,000 people in the local community who are currently facing various health issues such as dengue, malaria, and other medical issues.
"Standing side-by-side with local leaders in Esquipulas to deliver donated medical equipment, including hospital beds, diagnostic devices, surgical instruments, oxygen concentrators, and personal protective equipment is exactly why I do this job," said Capt. Christopher Karl, Civil Affairs Team 4361 team chief. "By providing these resources directly to Esquipulas’ hospitals and clinics, we get to experience a truly unique mission that impacts the everyday lives of the citizens in this community.”
Mr. Carlos Portillo, Equipulas mayor, also attended the donation ceremony, providing a message of gratitude and cooperation, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian and medical assistance efforts.
“This gathering is a testament to the importance of humanitarian and medical assistance efforts,” Portillo said. “Our focus is on providing medical care efficiently and respectfully, serving our community with collaboration, organization, and shared responsibility in delivering healthcare services."
Established in 1983, JTF-Bravo supports U.S. military and humanitarian operations, providing critical airlift, medical, logistics, and security assistance to partner nations. The task force functions as U.S. Southern Command’s rapid response element, enhances regional security, promotes stability, and strengthens partnerships through disaster response, joint exercises, and capacity-building initiatives in support of U.S. Southern Command priorities.