RWANDAN PEACEKEEPERS CONDUCT TWO-DAY FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH IN SOUTH SUDAN

Rwandan peacekeepers serving under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), from RWANBATT-1 and RWANBATT-3, in collaboration with the Rwanda Formed Police Unit (RWA-FPU) and the Society for Family Health South Sudan (SFH), have concluded a two-day medical outreach, providing free healthcare services to 946 residents of Luri-Rokwe Sector and surrounding areas in Juba County, South Sudan.

Held at Luri-Rokwe Primary Health Care Unit (PHCU), the outreach provided medical consultations, treatment and medicines for various communicable and non-communicable diseases, including eye and dental conditions, hypertension, diabetes and hygiene-related illnesses. Other services included antenatal care and general medical consultations.

The closing ceremony was attended by the Director General in the Ministry of Health, Dr James Wanyi Tom; RWANBATT-3 Deputy Contingent Commander Lt Col Maurice Kayinamura, RWANBATT- 1 Deputy Contingent Commander Maj Robert Muhayimana; RWA-FPU Commander, SSP Dative Iribagiza; and Society for Family Health South Sudan representative, Umuhoza Solange.

Speaking on behalf of the Government of South Sudan, Dr James Wanyi Tom thanked the Rwandan peacekeepers for their continued contribution to improving the well-being of South Sudanese communities. He noted that the area faced healthcare challenges, including shortages of medicines and experienced medical personnel. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with Rwandan peacekeepers in military operations and civil-military activities benefiting local communities.

Lt Col Maurice Kayinamura thanked the Ministry of Health, the medical team and the local community for their participation. He reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and improving access to healthcare. He also assured residents that Rwandan peacekeepers would continue supporting community health initiatives throughout their mission.

One beneficiary, Abalo Yunis, expressed gratitude to the Rwandan peacekeepers for providing free medical services, explaining that she and her children had been unwell and were grateful to receive treatment at no cost. She encouraged the peacekeepers to continue supporting vulnerable communities and pledged continued cooperation.

In addition to medical consultations and treatment, the team raised awareness of Ebola symptoms and preventive measures amid concerns about outbreaks in neighbouring countries.

The outreach underscores the Rwandan peacekeepers’ continued commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, strengthening civil-military relations and improving access to essential healthcare services within their area of responsibility.