Vietnamese Peacekeepers in South Sudan Enjoy Cultural Exchange

The Vietnamese peacekeepers are running a hospital in Bentiu, providing UN staff and members of the host community with high-quality care and treatment Photo: VOV VN

Vietnamese peacekeepers are running a hospital in Bentiu, providing UN staff and members of the host community with high-quality care and treatment.

The peacekeepers were recently presented medals at a ceremony for their excellent work.

Their role in preventing flood-induced infectious diseases from spreading has been vital, as have their other contributions in environmental protection.

“During your thirteen months of services, you have provided medical services to about 12,000 people in a professional manner, and we are confident that the contingent scheduled to replace you in two months will keep up your great work,” said Colonel Waleed Elazizy, an UNMISS Force Medical Officer present at the ceremony, adding that the medal recipients’ hard work has made a significant difference, effectively contributing the fulfillment of the peacekeeping mission’s mandate.

Brigadier General Dhananjay Joshi, UNMISS Acting Force Commander said: “Your professionalism and commitment have been clear for all to see, despite often challenging circumstances, not least during severe floods and a third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Mission is very proud of you and your achievements.”

Photo: VOV VN

On March 17, Vietnam Field hospital 2.3, United Nations peacekeeping force in South Sudan, organized a cultural and artistic exchange program in Bentiu, inviting the Mission to experience Vietnamese food, music and customs.

The program was one of the activities to celebrate the United Nations Peacekeeping Medal Ceremony for 63 members of the Hospital. It was also an opportunity to promote Vietnamese culture, traditional cuisine, and Vietnamese people’s beauty to international friends.

The guests who attended in the exchange program were Brigadier General Dhananjay Joshi, Acting Commander-in-Chief of United Nations forces in South Sudan; Head of the Mission in the Bentiu Base Hiroko Hirahara; Brigadier General Mike Cooper Mujuni - Commander of the Unity Military Region; Colonel Waleed Elazizy - Chief Medical Officer of the Mission; Lieutenant Colonel Pham Tan Phong - Commander of the Vietnamese peacekeeping force in the South Sudan Mission, and many commanding officers from the garrison units and international friends.

Homely gifts from Vietnam to South Sudan

The main highlight of the program was traditional food such as banh chung, fried spring rolls and BBQ dishes in authentic Vietnamese style, made by the Vietnamese doctors.

Making Vietnamese Banh Chung in Bentiu. Photo: Le Na Facebook

Vietnamese peacekeepers make souvenirs for the cultural exchange program. Photo: Le Na Facebook

Staff and doctors of the Vietnamese Hospital 2.3 also prepared vegetarian dishes and Halal food to suit the taste and customs of the guests.

International friends are very touched by the hospitality of the Vietnamese people.Photo: Le Na Facebook

International friends can also enjoy the lively and colorful performances imbued with Vietnamese cultural and ethnic identity by Vietnamese doctors and nurses.

The doctors put on a show, from singing in traditional Ao dai and Ao tu to dancing and performing folk songs.

Photo: Nguyen Dam

Beginning their service with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in October 2018, the different rotations of medical contingents from Vietnam’s army have made an impression in Bentiu, where they have been primarily based.

The Hospital has applied many new techniques in diagnosing and treating patients in accordance with field conditions while supporting the work in epidemic prevention and control, COVID-19 vaccination supply, oxygen supply and medical waste treatment from level 1 hospitals in the Mission area.

Another excellent example of how Vietnam’s army has made quite an impression is that they have carried out a series of environmentally friendly campaigns, making products from recycled materials.

The Hospital actively conducted many professional exchanges and training sessions to enhance medical knowledge and skills with partner units.

The efforts of the current crop of 63 peacekeepers, thirteen of whom are women, were recently recognized as the troops were awarded UN medals for their outstanding work in the name of peace.

Vietnam Medical Staffs in South Sudan Awarded UN peacekeeping medal Vietnam’s Level 2 field hospital No. 3 in South Sudan was awarded the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Medal for its dedication and outstanding contributions.

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