Dominic Deng had been sick for three days without any hope of treatment when he received the welcome news that a special clinic would be held in his village by Bangladeshi peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

Dominic was so relieved to be able to access medical care that he arrived early with his six-year old son for the clinic at the Aweil Jedid Primary School in Wau.

He was happy to join the queue along with many local women, children and elderly to receive treatment for malaria at the “Medical Camping” facility, where tents became temporary waiting areas, consulting rooms, and pharmacies.

“I am grateful for the help provided by the brothers from UNMISS,” said Dominic.

UNMISS Bangladeshi peacekeepers provided care for more than 300 local residents during the one-day clinic, treating conditions such as malaria, typhoid, diarrhea and persistent coughs. 

Colonel Reazur Rahman, the Bangladesh battalion commanding officer in Wau, said the free medical services are a gesture of goodwill by the peacekeepers to the local population, provided in addition to their main role of protecting civilians.  

“I see that there is a huge response from the local people,” he said. “We treated more than 300 people and the response is very good. I believe the people are happy to receive medicine and other care,” said Col. Rahman.

Acting Director-General of the Ministry of Health in Wau, Dr. Christopher Paul, said that he was happy to see the services provided and hoped for continued support from the peacekeepers.