JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN — In a powerful demonstration of humanitarian commitment, Rwandan peacekeepers deployed under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have rolled out a comprehensive, free medical outreach program for local residents in the capital city of Juba.
Operating in the Gudele neighborhood, the Rwandan military contingent (Rwanbatt-1) and the Rwanda Formed Police Unit (RWA-FPU III) teamed up with the Society for Family Health to provide critical healthcare services to more than 200 civilians.
The two-day medical camp, operating through Thursday and Friday, is aimed at addressing urgent health disparities and providing relief to vulnerable communities in the region.
Comprehensive Care for the Community
The medical teams set up mobile clinics to offer a wide array of specialized and general health services, bringing vital care directly to the people. The outreach included:
- General Medical Consultations: Routine check-ups, diagnoses, and general wellness advice.
- Specialized Care: Ophthalmology (eye care) and essential dental treatments.
- Maternal Health: Obstetric ultrasounds and check-ups for expectant mothers.
- Infectious Disease Treatment: Direct provision of vital medicines to combat prevalent and life-threatening illnesses, such as malaria.
Maj. Gerard Bahati Murasandonyi, Chief Medical Officer at Rwanbatt-1, emphasized that these community support activities are deeply intertwined with their core peacekeeping duties.
“The support we provide to local residents aligns with our paramount mandate of protecting civilians,” Maj. Murasandonyi stated.
He noted that the initiative not only offers immediate physical relief through medical consultations and treatments but also fosters enduring trust between the UN peacekeepers and the South Sudanese communities they are deployed to protect.
Local Leadership Expresses Deep Gratitude
The healthcare initiative was met with profound appreciation from local authorities. Ismail Abdu Nimaya, the coordinator of medical services for South Sudan government institutions, commended the Rwandan contingents for stepping beyond traditional security roles to address pressing human security needs.
Highlighting the deep bilateral and regional bonds, Nimaya referred to the peacekeepers as family.
“We need our brothers and sisters from Rwanda and the United Nations to join hands with us so that together, they can continue to render these important health services to our people,” Mr. Nimaya said. “We are truly happy and appreciate the support and unwavering commitment from the Rwandan Contingents.”
As South Sudan continues to navigate complex infrastructural and developmental challenges, community-focused initiatives by international peacekeepers—like Rwanda’s Rwanbatt-1 and RWA-FPU III—play a vital role in stabilizing the region and improving the daily lives of its citizens.3
Photo:mod.gov.rw
