GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan - A

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan - A local Afghan doctor distributes hygiene supplies here, July 24. The Marines of 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment partnered with local health clinics to pass out these supplies to the people of Garmsir District. The project is part of 1/3Õs health initiative. The health initiative is a program to help raise the local population's awareness of health and hygiene. Afghanistan's Ministry of Health organizes the program, and coalition forces have been assisting district hospitals with the program since 2010. During 1/3's deployment, we have handed out almost 2000 health initiative packets to men, women and children in four different areas in the Garmsir District. During each event coalition forces and civilian medical providers provide lectures on basic health and nutrition. In addition, attendance of packet handouts has aided the Ministry of Health in extending medical care to the local people, said Navy Lt. Johanes Ismawan, a native of San Mateo, Calif., and the battalion surgeon for 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. The battalion supports Regimental Combat Team 1, under 2nd Marine Division (Forward), which serves as the ground combat element in Helmand. The mission of the division is to partner with Afghan National Security Forces to conduct counterinsurgency operations to secure the Afghan people, defeat insurgent forces, and enable ANSF to assume security responsibilities in the region. Ultimately, the partnered forces promote the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance.