In a rural village outside of the town of Podor, Senegal, everyone from a 1-month-old baby to a man of 83 who is rumored to have served in World War II, stood in line just outside the walls of an elementary school that doubled as a medical care facility that day.

A Senegalese Army doctor with a handful of medics joined a group of local civilian medical experts to deliver much-needed medical care and supplies to communities with limited or no medical care. This was all done in concert with a newly trained Senegalese Civil Affairs troops completing the final stages of their Civil Military Operation training. They learned the ins and outs of the CA field and used the Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) Jan. 23 to prove they were ready for graduation.

All in all, nearly 300 civilians from Podor and its surrounding villages were seen by medical staff. About 160 adults were seen throughout the daylong event, with the rest being children. About 30 vaccinations were given, along with other medical prescriptions and supplies.

All who came to the MEDCAP, even those not sick, received soap and bleach to take home, along with a more limited supply of mosquito netting.

Outside of several major health issues or birth defects, main ailments included upper respiratory infections, gastrointestinal complications, and general pain.

The Civil Affairs team used the MEDCAP to showcase their new skills to their American counterparts, which consisted of a four-man U.S. military CA team assigned to Special Operations Command Africa out of the 91st CA Battalion, Fort Bragg, N.C.

“To have an effective military mission, you should have information and to get that info, you need to get to know the local population,” explained Senegalese Capt. Abdoulaye Diop, the company commander of the CA team. “On the civil side, this MEDCAP wins the hearts of the population, while on the military side, it gives the opportunity to take care of their own. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

The MEDCAP was the culminating effort of the Senegalese CA team just prior to graduation, which allowed them to build and direct an event that would impact local community members. The CA program encompasses working with the local population, and specifically local civilian leaders, to complete military operations around the globe.