Within the framework of the cooperation and support strategy for the benefit of the civilians, conducted by the Governments of the United States and Colombia, the Humanitarian Mission Promesa Continua 2022 was carried out in Cartagena – Bolívar, from November 11 to 18, in order to provide assistance to members of the most vulnerable communities in Cartagena and surrounding areas, as well as people in a condition of mobility disabilities.
During seven days, various operations were carried out for the benefit of the communities; medical, veterinary, humanitarian assistance and support to the inhabitants. Mission doctors conducted 80 surgeries and provided 4,516 medical services in the areas of gynecology, pediatrics, orthopedics, ophthalmology, dermatology, dentistry, preventive medicine and public health education. For its part, 300 animals were assisted during the veterinary activities, including cats and dogs.
In addition to medical assistance, Comprehensive Action activities aimed at the communities were carried out through the execution of construction improvement works on schools and the distribution of donation of desks and school kits in Tierra Bomba and Mahates, Bolívar.
Within the framework of the visit of the USNS Comfort, disaster response exercises were in the same way carried out in maritime and Ground spaces, which leads to sharing experiences of the allied nations to strengthen the various prevention and humanitarian assistance activities conducted by the partner countries. In the same way, knowledge exchanges in medical, educational and environmental areas were carried out conducted by personnel of the USNS Comfort ship, the Naval Hospital of Cartagena, UMATA Technical Assistance Unit, University of Cartagena and Sinu, Civil Defense, Firefighters and the Colombian Red Cross seeking the standardization of good practices conducted by the two countries.
Throughout the week, the afternoons and evenings were enlivened with the notes of the group of musicians of the United States Army.
About 25 thousand people benefited of the activities carried out within the framework of Continuing Promise 2022 Cartagena.
The Colombian Navy, as a Military Force in the area, was the host and coordinator of the operations for the benefit of the inhabitants, counting on more than 1,200 men, who worked in a coordinated manner with personnel of the United States Embassy and Southern Command, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of National Defense, the General Command of the Military Forces, troops of the National Army, the Colombian Air Force, units of the National Police and officials of the Bolivar Governorate, Departmental Health Secretariat, Mayor's Office of Cartagena, Administrative Department of Health - DADIS, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, Migration Colombia, Colombian Civil Defense, Colombian Red Cross, National Learning Service - SENA, Directorate of Taxes and National Customs - DIAN, Cartagena Naval Hospital, Mutual Ser EPS, INVIMA, University of Cartagena and Sinú, Port Society - Port of Cartagena, Centro Colombo Americano, the Unidos Foundation, JuanFe Foundation, among other institutions, associations, foundations and related security agencies, as well as civilian lifeguards and volunteer translators.
Words of gratitude and partnership were received by the crew of the ship, both from the Port authorities and from the inhabitants for their work and support for their most heartfelt needs. Today, the USNS Comfort ship will sail from Cartagena to continue to conduct its Promesa Continua 2022 heading to Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
The Colombian Navy will continue its determined support to the region through combined, joint, coordinated and interagency work in alliance with partner countries, authorities, productive groups and associations, for the community benefit in favor of the security and development of communities.
Source: Press - Navy of Colombia
