Embassy of the United States

press releases

A child receives a vaccination from a member of 212th MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) team in Muzaffarabad.

MASH Completes Final Push To Vaccinate Villagers; Pak Military To Take Over MASH Tomorrow

Islamabad – During their final Medical Outreach Mission, personnel of the 212th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) vaccinated 685 individuals with a series of 1,753 vaccinations on Monday alone in the remote village of Bherri.

"It is a tribute to the dedication of the MASH personnel that they worked up to the last minute before turnover to provide the best possible care to the people of Pakistan," said Army Col. Angel Lugo, Commander of the 212th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. "This type of commitment to the mission exemplifies the spirit and willingness to help that our medical personnel bring to our Pakistani friends and allies."

To date the MASH’s Medical Outreach Team, led by Army Ltc. David West, has treated more than 20,000 people, giving about 20,000 vaccinations to approximately 8,000 people at more than 50 villages, schools and IDP camps in the Muzaffarabad area. They provided life-saving immunizations to prevent measles, diphtheria, tetanus and polio. They also provided Vitamin A, which reduces the effects of measles. The Medical Outreach Mission began in early November and consisted of environmental assessments, health surveys and an aggressive vaccination program in conjunction with the World Health Organization.

In addition to this critical medical care, the MASH personnel distributed about 200 boxes of clothing, blankets and toys that had been donated by the American people.

The MASH has been providing medical assistance to the people of the Muzaffarabad region since its arrival on October 24, 2005. Over 200 personnel worked at the MASH at its peak period. Tomorrow, the MASH will be transferred to the government of Pakistan.

"While we will miss our Pakistani friends, our mission was to provide initial relief," said Army Maj. Soo Lee Davis, MASH executive officer. "Now that the area is progressing from crisis relief to long-term reconstruction, our mission is to pass on the work of the MASH to the Pakistani medical professionals."

For further information please contact Disaster Assistance Center Public Affairs, Lt. Corey Schultz, at 0300-5012184.