Kabul

Again, we are up here for various meetings and conferences.

Day 1: Travel here and an informal meeting with an Air Force Colonel and Canadian 1 star General. We discussed various topics regarding RC(S) as well as challenges training the ANA (Afghan National Army) and ANP (Afghan National Police) in medical issues. Had a nice dinner at the DFAC and good night's sleep at the "Kabul Palace". Slept on the bottom bunk, Ewan got a single bed.

Day 2: Meeting at the Ministry of Public Health (picture of his desk) at 1000 where Ewan discuss indoor air polution. The number one cause of mortality in AFG is acute respiratory illnesses. The cause of this is indoor air polution. The majority of the Afghan population lives in huts. The have an open fire in the huts for heat, light and cooking and there is no ventilation. They use biomass as fuel. This includes wood (if they can find it), dried dung and poppy stems after the harvest. As resources have become scarce, they are now using strips of tire and plastic water bottles as fuel. Imagine living in an unventilated hut surrounded by this noxious smoke day after day. As a solution, Ewan wants to investigate fuel-efficient, culturally-sensitive stoves that are ventilated. This has been done in China and India for years. He presented his case to the minister's aid and it went very well.

After lunch, we met with USAid at the US Embassy to discuss medical seminars in the provinces. USAid is an organization founded by JFK to manage donations for humanitarian use. Big, big player here. Fortunately, this meeting that went well also. Not much to do after that so I caught up on more internet stuff (e-mail, reviewing work sent to me from UP Clinic, etc). Moved my stuff to the top bunk so COL Bricknell (our boss) could have the bottom bunk when he arrived later.

Day 3: Meeting in the "beer garden" (in quotes because General Order #1 is no alcohol. That's a pic of Ewan) at 1000 with more military folks to coordinate medical efforts in the upcoming Kandahar push. This lasted until 1130 then off to lunch. In the afternoon had a medical conference where representatives from various humanitarian organizations spoke. Had to leave the conference somewhat early to catch the up-armored "shuttle" back to Kabul Airport. Once there, I got my billeting that was in the "transient tents" - top bunk again and the mattress was a bit dodgey (the Brits language is rubbing off on me!). They had computers in the MWA tent so I was able to call Jolene on her cellphone via Skype. Quite nice as we hadn't talked in days (sorry I woke you so early during spring break!) We have another seminar tomorrow that is strictly military medical support.

Day 4: Up, showered, ate breakfast and off to the seminar. The morning was spent with various military speakers discussing issues coming "down" to the regional commands and the afternoon was spent with the 5 regional commands briefing "up". Our brief was given by a medops (medical operations) Captain from Scotland. There were at least 3 generals present at various times. This ended at 1700 and I spent the rest of the early evening catching up on e-mails and reading about the Mariner's loss at Oakland. Snagged the bottom bunk as most of the folks left. My flight back to Kandahar leaves at 0725 with 0525 check in. Should get back to KAF by 0900, Inshallah!

Day 5: Up at 0500 and off to the airfield. Boarded the C-130 through the rear ramp and took off for Kandahar at 0815. Arrived an hour later to 85 degree temps. Much, much warmer in the south. Got to 90 degrees today. Spent the rest of the day
working out, showering, lunch and then 4-5 hours at RC(S).

Smallpox watch: For those interested, nearly 2 weeks and counting since innoculation and the scab hasn't fallen off yet! I can post a picture if you'd like. Let me know in the comments ;-]