UN peacekeepers donate medicines to hospital and prison in Bor

UN peacekeepers donate medicines to hospital and prison in Bor

UN peacekeepers donate medicines to hospital and prison in Bor

9 May 2018

UN peacekeepers donate medicines to hospital and prison in Bor

Mach Samuel

Peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan have donated an assortment of some 30 different types of health-improving medicines to the main hospital and prison in Bor in the Greater Jonglei region.

Military contingents from India, South Korea, Ethiopia, Nepal and Sri Lanka, donated the medication in response to requests made by the administrations of the health and prison institutions respectively.

Speaking on behalf of the Mission’s Head of Bor Field Office, human rights officer Alfred Zulu said the donations were made to promote the health and good living of the town’s residents.

“We are making this small contribution because we are aware that your need for medical material is huge,” Mr. Zulu commented, adding that the medicines had been sourced from countries contributing troops to the peacekeeping mission.

At the Bor Central Prison, the handover of the much-needed drugs was met with great relief and appreciation. Here, vulnerable men, women and children have been suffering from a severe lack of adequate medical care. Diseases have often gone untreated, and it has sometimes been impossible to address emergency situations.

Major General John Mayen, Deputy Director of the prison, applauded the peacekeeping mission for its continued support to the people of South Sudan.

“I would like to thank you, we are very happy today to receive these medicines,” he said.

His gratitude was echoed by the Director-General of the Jonglei ministry of health, Dr. Kwai Deng Kwai.

“Most of these items in front of us are very useful oral antibiotics and injections. I think they will fill our current needs,” said Dr. Kwai.

Last year, UN volunteers also made a robust intervention benefitting the inmates at Bor Central Prison. Their heartfelt donation consisted of mattresses and different kinds of sanitary equipment.