Rwandan peacekeepers serving in South Sudan have provided free medical care to 946 people during a two-day outreach near the capital, Juba, while raising awareness about Ebola prevention.
The exercise was conducted by Rwanda’s RWANBATT-1 and RWANBATT-3 military contingents and the Rwandan Formed Police Unit (RWA-FPU), in partnership with Society for Family Health South Sudan (SFH).
Held at Luri-Rokwe Health Centre, the outreach offered consultations, treatment and medicines for a range of health conditions, including eye and dental problems, high blood pressure, diabetes and illnesses linked to poor hygiene. Pregnant women also received care, while residents were screened for various conditions.
The outreach came as health workers used public awareness sessions to explain Ebola symptoms and prevention, amid concerns about the potential spread of the disease to countries neighbouring South Sudan.
Dr James Wanyi Tom, a senior official at South Sudan’s Ministry of Health, said local residents faced difficulties accessing healthcare, including shortages of medicines and experienced medical personnel.
Representing the government at the closing ceremony, he thanked the Rwandan defense forces and police personnel for supporting local communities. He said the government was committed to continued cooperation with them on security operations and activities aimed at improving residents’ lives.
Lt Col Maurice Kayinamura, deputy commander of RWANBATT-3, thanked the Ministry of Health, the medical team and residents who took part in the exercise. He said Rwandan personnel would continue supporting initiatives to improve community health throughout their deployment.
For residents who struggle to access healthcare, the outreach offered an opportunity to receive treatment without paying for a visit to a health facility.
Abalo Yunis, one of the beneficiaries, said the assistance was particularly valuable because Yunis and the children had been ill. Yunis thanked the Rwandan personnel and called for continued support for communities facing hardship.
The outreach forms part of the activities carried out by Rwandan personnel serving under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to support communities alongside their peacekeeping duties.
