 A group photo of Vietnam's Level 2 Field Hospital No.2 staff in Australia before heading to South Sudan. (Photo: Australian Embassy in Vietnam) |
“The UN thanks the Level 2 Field Hospital No.2 for introducing measures to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and calls on Vietnam to further strengthen this activity to support the UN Mission in South Sudan. The UN will acknowledge efforts by international peacekeepers, including Vietnamese officers, in combating the COVID-19 pandemic,” said UN Under-Secretary-General Atul Khare.
The comment has become a source of encouragement for the Vietnamese officers working at Vietnam’s Level-2 Field Hospital No. 2 in South Sudan as the COVID-19 pandemic spirals in this east central African country with poor medical infrastructure and environment.
Vietnam’s Level-2 Field Hospital No. 2 began its mission in South Sudan, a country with more guns than rice, in November 2019. Difficulties have doubled as the COVID-19 pandemic has spread to the country. Lieutenant Colonel-Dr. Vo Van Hien is Director of Vietnam’s Level-2 Field Hospital No. 2, said: "Vietnam’s Level-2 Field Hospital No. 2 is one of 5 hospitals at the site assigned by the UN with the mission of preventing Sars- CoV-2 virus. This is a very challenging task to all the hospital staff."
 Dr. Nguyen Quang Chien, Deputy Director of Vietnam’s Level-2 Field Hospital No. 2, and his co-workers carry out HIV tests for the local people. (Photo: baoquocte.vn) |
Since the hospital is located near the UN Camp in Bentiu which shelters more than 110,000 people, Vietnamese medical staff might be exposed to the coronavirus if an outbreak hits.
"We have made use of any available facilities and equipment in the area to set up quarantine and treatment areas for Covid-19 patients to meet the requirements of the United Nations. We’ve also coordinated with United Nations medical missions to stand ready in any situations," said Dr. Hien.
Vietnam’s Level-2 Field Hospital No. 2 has received letters praising it as "The best hospital of United Nations peace-keeping missions in South Sudan" or "The bright star among peace-keeping missions", which prove the hospital's capabilities and reputation among United Nations missions and international friends. The acknowledgement reflects Vietnam’s commitments and responsible engagement in the UN peace-keeping mission.
Starting from 2014, hundreds of Vietnamese soldiers have participated in UN peacekeeping activities. The rate of Vietnamese female soldiers in UN peace-keeping operations is 17%, higher than the general rate at the United Nations. The beautiful images of Vietnamese military medical soldiers in blue berets have left strong impressions on the local people and authorities. Director of Bentiu Hospital, South Sudan, Mr. Akim Koma said: "We have been cooperating with them since 2 years ago. They’re professional, kind-hearted, and generous. They supported us in treating the patients. I hope the cooperation continues to help the people of this area."
In addition to their professional medical work, Vietnamese blue beret soldiers are often seen taking part in international exchanges, teaching children and guiding the local people to improve their crops. Living up to the virtues of “Uncle Ho’s soldiers”, they are doing all they can to ensure long-lasting peace worldwide.