Photo: Nguyen Dam

Special mission

On January 3, 2022, among the first days of the new year, Level 2 Field Hospital No. 3 in Bentiu, South Sudan received a special mission from the head of the UNMISS Field Office in Bentiu, Hiroko. That mission is to support emergency surgery for a case at MSF hospital.

The pregnant women have severe scoliosis due to spinal tuberculosis. The doctors had to anesthetize endotracheal intubation with a ventilator system. A 4 kg baby boy was born, but he did not cry and had to be assisted to breathe.

After about 15 minutes of intensive resuscitation, the baby started to cry. The first cry of the baby brings joy to everyone in the operating room. The mother after the life-and-death battle was safe, thanks to the support of Vietnamese "blue beret" doctors.

Doctor Tong Van Anh explains his heroic act; "I am nervous because this is the first obstetric surgery that I stand as the main surgeon in South Sudan, in the condition that the medicine, equipment and tools in the operating room are not enough. However, the image of a 22-year-old patient with scoliosis was the motivation for me and the surgical team to save the baby."

Doctor Tong Van Anh and a healthy 4kg baby boy after surgery.

Pou James, MSF hospital operating room staff: I am impressed with the surgical team at Level-2 Field Hospital No. 3. They are professional.

The surgery was coordinated by Vietnam's Level 2 Field Hospital No. 3 and MSF.

Bringing image of Vietnam to the world

Lotus, red flags with yellow stars, images of President Ho Chi Minh, General Vo Nguyen Giap, or Vietnamese ao dai were all brought to the poor land of Africa by Level 2 Field Hospital No. 3 and introduced to international friends here.

On October 5, 2021, the hospital welcomed General Birame Diop, military advisor of the United Nations Peace Operations Department.

Right from the main entrance of the hospital, the pink lotus - Vietnam's national flower, drawn on the black wall, made the first impression to the team. Entering the hospital campus, General Birame Diop and the team were once again surprised with a map of Vietnam made of gravel placed at the entrance of the unit, and a poster made from recycled products with the image of President Ho Chi Minh.

The hospital staff wear ao dai.

Previously, on August 12, 2021, the hospital's youth union members planted trees and cleaned the campus of Nyuel Juol primary school in Rubkona town, South Sudan. They also brought beautiful and colorful pinwheels recycled from plastic waste, decorated around the tree planting area, making the students excited.

The Youth Union of the hospital planted trees at Nyuel Juol primary school.

The hospital also cooperated with agencies in HIV/AIDS prevention and screening at Bentiu Hospital; Donate 300 HIV/AIDS rapid test kits to the Hospital; Coordinate with the Pakistan's Field Hospital level 1 to take blood and test nearly 200 samples of South Sudanese people, provide counseling and education on HIV prevention.

On the first days of the New Year, more than 8,500 km away from Vietnam, the red flag with a yellow star of Vietnam next to the blue and white United Nations flag fluttered in the wind.

The Level-2 Field Hospital No. 3 staff is determined to overcome all difficulties and challenges, contributing to affirming Vietnam's commitment to world peace. It also sends the message that Vietnam is always a friend, a reliable partner, and a responsible member of the international community.

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