Canadian, US armed forces medical teams work with Sabah counterparts for PP26

KOTA KINABALU: Medical teams participating in Pacific Partnership 2026 (PP26) will collaborate with Sabah healthcare professionals throughout the two-week mission, focusing on knowledge and experience exchange. PP26 Deputy Mission Commander Colonel Alain Lafrenière, representing the Canadian Armed Forces, explained that the medical engagement is a two-way learning process, allowing healthcare professionals from participating countries and Sabah to learn from each other.

Lafrenière emphasized that medical teams from different nations bring unique expertise and experience, complementing each other.

Lafrenière highlighted that the teams may not have the same level of experience with diseases like malaria or dengue, as these are not prevalent in North America. PP26 Mission Commander US Navy Captain Robert Reyes stated that the mission involves personnel, primarily from the US Navy, along with military and partner representatives from Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.

They work alongside Malaysian counterparts in Sabah, participating in activities such as medical, engineering, and disaster management training to strengthen cooperation and resilience.

Sabah Armed Forces dental specialist Lt Col (Dr) Muhammad Khiratti Mat Zainal explained that the primary objective of the Community Health Engagement (CHE) is to raise public health awareness while providing simple health screenings in an engaging and interactive manner. The CHE also featured a blood donation drive, in partnership with Queen Elizabeth Hospital, aiming to collect 50 bags of blood. Visitors could engage in interactive activities such as a spin-the-wheel game and other health-related activities.