Rwandan peacekeepers and police serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have provided free medical services to 946 people in Luri-Rokwe and surrounding areas near Juba during a two-day outreach programme.
The Rwanda Defence Force personnel serving in RWANBATT-1 and RWANBATT-3, together with the Rwandan Formed Police Unit (RWA-FPU), organised the exercise in partnership with Society for Family Health South Sudan (SFH).
Held at Luri-Rokwe Health Centre, the outreach offered consultations, treatment and medication for a range of communicable and non-communicable illnesses. Services included care for eye and dental conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes and illnesses associated with poor hygiene. Pregnant women also received care, while residents were screened for various conditions.
Dr James Wanyi Tom, a senior official at South Sudan’s Ministry of Health who represented the government at the closing ceremony, said the area faced challenges in accessing healthcare, including shortages of medicines and experienced medical personnel.
He thanked the Rwandan troops and police for supporting the health and welfare of local communities and said the government was committed to continued cooperation with them in both security and community support activities.
Lt Col Maurice Kayinamura, deputy commander of RWANBATT-3, thanked the Ministry of Health, medical team and residents who took part. He said Rwandan peacekeepers would continue supporting initiatives to improve community health throughout their deployment.
One beneficiary, Abalo Yunis, said the free services were particularly helpful because she and her children had been ill. She thanked the Rwandan personnel and urged them to continue assisting communities facing hardship.
The team also conducted public awareness activities on Ebola symptoms and prevention amid concerns about possible spread in countries neighbouring South Sudan.
