Vietnam Medical Staffs in South Sudan Awarded UN peacekeeping medal

Photo: VOV VN

On March 15, in Bentiu (Republic of South Sudan), a ceremony for the United Nations for 63 Vietnamese peacekeepers from Level 2 field hospital No. 3 was held to recognize achievements made in their first year in Sudan.

Attending the ceremony were Brigadier General Dhananjay Joshi, - Acting Commander-in-Chief of UN Forces in South Sudan, Head of Bentiu Base of the Mission Hiroko Hirahara, Brigadier General Mike Cooper Mujuni- Commander of Unity Military Region, Colonel Waleed Elazizy- Chief of Military Medicine of the Mission and Lieutenant Colonel Pham Tan Phong- Commander-in-Chief of the Vietnamese peacekeeping force in the South Sudan mission along many commanding officers from the garrison units: MonBatt, Pakistan METF, GhaBatt, Ghana FPU, Cambodia MP... and guests.

The drum performance "Vietnamese spirit", performed by 22 staffs of Level 2 field hospital No. 3 Photo: VOV VN

Speaking at the ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel, Doctor Trinh My Hoa, Director of Field hospital 2.3 summarized the results achieved after 12 months since its implementation on March 26, 2021 at Bentiu-Unity Division: the hospital has provided high-quality healthcare and treatment for more than 1,400 patients who are UN staff and indigenous people, successfully conducted more than 16 complex surgeries, and transporting 15 cases by air. The staff applied many new techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in accordance with field conditions.

The hospital has also done well in epidemic prevention, Covid-19 vaccination, providing oxygen and treating all medical waste for level 1 hospitals in the Mission area.

In addition, implementing a series of environmentally friendly campaigns, making works from recycled materials..., together with friends, they have actively conducted many professional exchanges and training sessions to strengthen medical knowledge and skills.

Hence, the image of the country and the people of Vietnam is promoted through a series of 9 deep and extensive military-civilian combined operations (CIMIC) held by Field hospital 2.3.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Head of Bentiu Base of the Mission Hiroko Hirahara and Brigadier General Dhananjay Joshi- Acting Commander of UN forces in South Sudan highly appreciated the dedication, dedication and professionalism of Field hospital 2.3.

“We are very pleased with the positive feedback on what Vietnam has done. I deeply acknowledge and appreciate your achievements. Thank you to your families for being part of the Bentiu "family", said emotional Hiroko Hirahara at the ceremony.

In his speech, Brigadier General Dhananjay Joshi thanked the Field hospital 2.3's efforts to participate in combined military-civilian operations (CIMIC). These include many activities that CIMIC has actively participated in, such as: HIV/AIDS counseling, support for Bentiu hospital, sharing of medicines and equipment with local authorities, and support for local authorities with useful equipment and school supplies for students...

Colonel Waleed Elazizy added that “Despite the difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Field hospital 2.3 has played an important role in preventing and controlling the epidemic at Bentiu base, as well as making positive contributions. They took professional and effective measures to prevent Covid-19 from spreading in hospitals, ensuring a safe environment for patients. Recognizing the efforts of Vietnamese doctors and nurses, UN staff here feel safe and comfortable when they come to Field hospital 2.3 for treatment.”

In response, Lieutenant Colonel Pham Tan Phong- Commander of the Vietnamese peacekeeping force in South Vietnam shared that a year of living and working in Bentiu is a time with unforgettable experiences for all members at Field hospital 2.3. He expressed deep gratitude, support and assistance of the UNMISS Mission, UN agencies and units stationed together.

Under the scorching sun of the red dusty land of Bentiu, 63 Vietnamese officers and staff in peacekeeping uniforms, white gloves and blue berets stood proudly, receiving the Medal in recognition of their dedication during the whole term, side by side like a big family, contributing to the UN's noble mission of taking care of the health of UN staff.

On the medal of honor received, blue represents the United Nations, black and blue represent the country of South Sudan and white represents the aspiration for peace and prosperity.

Photo: VOV VN

Many activities at cultural exchange evening

In the evening of cultural exchange on March 14, the guests enjoyed Vietnamese cuisine: Chung cake, spring rolls, and delicious grilled dishes prepared by Field hospital 2.3.

The event was an opportunity for international friends to understand more unique cultural features of the Vietnamese people, the desire to contribute, and join hands to build a peaceful world.

Through musical performances with 3 unique Vietnamese dances, Field hospital 2.3 highlighted the cheerful and optimistic spirit of Vietnamese people. There were also cultural exchange performances by both Vietnamese doctors and nurses and international friends as "Blue Beret Soldier", "Heal the world".

The medal ceremony is an important and impressive milestone, marking a year of joining the peacekeeping force with the encouraging achievements and efforts of Vietnamese peacekeepers at Field hospital 2.3. They not only showed that Vietnam is a responsible member state of the United Nations but also represented the deep feelings of the Vietnamese people for the people of South Sudan.

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