WESTERN BAHR EL GHAZAL – It was a good day for more than 300 residents at the Naivasha Internally Displaced Persons site in Wau, the capital of South Sudan’s Western Bahr El Ghazal state, thanks to Blue Helmets from Bangladesh serving with the United Nations Peacekeeping mission, UNMISS, who gave them basic medical check-ups for free.

Such medical campaigns are part of UNMISS’ ongoing efforts to build community trust and confidence.

Aguer Deng, visiting the peacekeepers with his three-year-old son, has been enduring long days of sickness with malaria, and had no recourse to treatment.

“I am deeply relieved and grateful to receive appropriate examination and medications. As you can see, the queue is long with many women, children, and elderly seeking care, waiting for their turn,” he said with gratitude.

Similarly, Elizabeth Nicolas, another patient, and a mother of two, shared her financial inability to afford prescriptions for her children.

“UNMISS support brought back hope to our lives. Not only we must overcome the poor conditions we live through, but we also must bring up healthy kids. My three-year-old son suffers from serious hearing problems, and I have strong headache and coughs,” she explained.   

The day-long clinic covered consultations and treatment for malaria, typhoid, diarrhea, and persistent coughs.

For his part, Colonel Mohamad Shafquat-ul-Islam, Contingent Commander of the Bangladeshi troops deployed to Wau highlighted the importance of such initiatives in helping build resilience and a durable peace.

“We are here to serve to our best ability the people of South Sudan. Today’s activity was appreciated by host communities and we hope we have made a difference to the lives of displaced people,” he averred.

During the day, peacekeepers also handed over sports items and toys to 165 children, adding joy to their lives.