4 June 2014 - As part of activities to commemorate International Peacekeepers Day, UNMISS in Northern Bahr El-Ghazal State today donated various items to Aweil Civil Hospital.

Both civilian and military personnel participated in commemorating the day, which is observed on 29 May annually.

Seven peacekeepers voluntarily donated blood in an effort to help save lives of children and pregnant mothers in need. Other items provided included drugs like anti-malarial medication.

State Minister of Health Tong Deng Anei commended the peacekeepers for their support to the people of Northern Bahr El-Ghazal.

“One carton of medicine is not like food,” he said. “It can treat a lot of people because a patient just needs very few tablets.”

UNMISS Acting State Coordinator Numa Shams reiterated the mission’s support. He noted that such activities were a continuous effort which started three years ago.

“We decided to … give blood and give drugs because that is the way we wanted to remember those who died,” he said. “(We also decided) to help some people, if that small help can make them healthy or save their lives.”

The Kenyan Battalion Commander in the state, Maj. Japeth Mwenda Gichuru, said his contingent was also continuing activities the contingent had begun by donating blood.

“Our predecessors, Kenyan Battalion 21, participated in training of midwifery here,” he revealed. We have continued to enjoy a cordial relationship with government officials, the community and Aweil Civil Hospital.”

The celebration was concluded with a football match between UNMISS and Ayat Star football teams.