Assisting Host Nations in Developing Health Systems

Abstract

Historically, the Department of Defense (DOD) provides medical assistance to other nations as part of stability and reconstruction operations in response to natural disasters. Medical civic action programs (MEDCAPs) and medical readiness education and training exercises (MEDRETEs), are also part of geographic combatant commander's theater engagement strategies. While noble and providing immediate and short-term relief, the development of comprehensive health support systems of these nations is still lagging. The US Agency for International Development (USAID) is the lead agency for strengthening the health systems of developing countries, but its resources are limited, and rarely engage in countries undergoing internal conflict. The United States has an opportunity to redefine the DOD's role in providing medical support to foreign or fragile nations. Through better partnerships with non-governmental organizations and international organizations, the US military can assist fragile nations in developing their own sustainable health care system.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2010
Accession Number
ADA522017

Entities

People

  • Bret T. Ackermann

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Combatant Commanders
  • Delivery Of Health Care
  • Department Of Defense
  • Governments
  • Health Care
  • Health Services
  • Interagency Coordination
  • International Organizations
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Medicine
  • Military Personnel
  • Military Science
  • National Governments
  • National Security
  • United States Government
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Medicine
  • Political science

Readers

  • Defense Technology Research and Development.
  • Economics
  • Emergency Management and Homeland Security.