Vietnamese Peacekeepers Return Home After Record-Breaking South Sudan Mission
Hanoi, Vietnam – September 27, 2024 – A Royal Australian Air Force C17 transport plane touched down in Hanoi late last night, carrying 49 officers and staff from Vietnam’s Level 2 Field Hospital No. 6, marking the successful completion of their year-long United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan. The return, celebrated with a warm welcome ceremony attended by high-ranking Vietnamese military officials and the Australian Defense Attaché, highlights Vietnam’s increasing commitment to global peace and security. This isn’t just a homecoming; it’s a testament to the dedication and skill of Vietnamese medical personnel operating in challenging conditions.
Record Number of Patients Treated in South Sudan
The Level 2 Field Hospital No. 6, deployed from September 26, 2023, distinguished itself by providing exceptional medical care to a significantly higher number of patients than previous Vietnamese peacekeeping units. Lieutenant-Colonel Nguyen Duke Hung, Deputy Director of the hospital, reported treating an impressive 2,650 patients over 12 months – surpassing the figures of Level 2 Field Hospital No. 1 (1,852 patients over 15 months), No. 2 (1,738 patients over 18 months), No. 3 (1,322 patients over 12 months), No. 4 (1,471 patients over 14 months), and No. 5 (2,382 patients over 14 months).
The hospital’s services encompassed a wide range of medical needs, including over 90 hospitalized patients, with a particular focus on internal medicine – infectious diseases – and surgical specialties. Complex cases, such as near-complete finger amputations, peritonitis appendicitis, radius and clavicle fractures, and inguinal hernias, were successfully treated through 33 surgical interventions. Remarkably, the hospital maintained a referral rate of less than 0.1%, significantly lower than the MINUSS (United Nations Mission in South Sudan) average of 2%.
Beyond Treatment: Proactive Disease Prevention
The hospital’s success wasn’t solely based on reactive treatment. A dedicated epidemiology and cleaning prevention team proactively implemented rigorous disease control measures, regularly disinfecting hospital and residential areas to maintain a safe and hygienic environment. This commitment to preventative care, coupled with constant updates on disease evolution from the United Nations, played a crucial role in safeguarding both patients and staff. This proactive approach is a hallmark of effective peacekeeping medical operations, demonstrating a holistic understanding of healthcare in conflict zones.
Vietnam’s Growing Role in Global Peacekeeping
This mission builds upon Vietnam’s growing involvement in UN peacekeeping operations. Following the success of Level 2 Field Hospital No. 5, the No. 6 hospital continued a tradition of responsibility and solidarity, overcoming challenges to achieve its objectives. Division General Pham Manh Thang, Director of Vietnam’s Peacekeeping Department, lauded the unit as “the most efficient unit among those deployed by the Vietnamese People’s Army with the United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan.”
While most of the hospital staff have returned home, two officers will remain to facilitate the handover to Level 2 Field Hospital No. 7, with another 12 scheduled to return after completing the transition. The Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense is prioritizing the recognition of the hospital staff’s contributions and ensuring a smooth reintegration process.
The dedication of the Level 2 Field Hospital No. 6 underscores Vietnam’s commitment to international cooperation and its willingness to contribute to global stability. As the world faces increasingly complex humanitarian challenges, the role of skilled and dedicated peacekeeping forces like these will only become more critical. This mission serves as a powerful example of how nations can work together to provide essential medical care and support in conflict-affected regions, fostering hope and building a more peaceful future.
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