On June 25, 2025, Rwandan peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) provided medical assistance to over 600 displaced persons in the Upper Nile region.
The two-day medical outreach, held at the UN Protection of Civilians (PoC) site, addressed various health issues, including diabetes, hypertension, and infections.
For residents like Chamisa John, the medical camp was a lifeline. “My daughter is three years old. She suffers from body pain. We have taken her to the hospital three times already, but haven’t received the right treatment,” she said. “When I heard that peacekeepers from Rwanda are running a free medical camp, I immediately brought my daughter here.”
The PoC site, home to around 45,000 displaced persons, often faces challenges in accessing medical care due to its remote location and limited resources.
Residents typically have to travel nearly six kilometers to reach medical facilities in Malakal town, a journey that becomes almost impossible during the rainy season.
Captain Jacques Nishimwe, a medical peacekeeper from Rwanda, explained that the medical camp was organized to bridge the gap in healthcare assistance caused by reduced aid funding.
“The site is congested, and displaced people, particularly children, get easily exposed to infections,” he said. “With a reduction in aid funding, there is a shortage of healthcare assistance for the displaced community. So, we decided doing such medical camps can help bridge the gap somewhat.”
The medical team, comprising six peacekeepers from Rwanda, attended to women, men, and children, providing them with necessary treatment and educating them on aftercare.
For many, like Andrew Nykanig, the medical camp was a blessing. “I have had a stomach problem for a long time. It is difficult for me to get treated because I don’t have a regular income. But this medical camp by our friends from Rwanda is free of charge. The doctor provided me with the medicines I need and also educated me on aftercare,” he said.
Captain Nishimwe emphasized the importance of peacekeepers going beyond their mandate to build trust and serve local communities.
“As a peacekeeper, there are times when you have to go beyond the mandate to protect civilians. It’s not merely about patrolling and preventing conflict, but it’s also about building trust with the communities we are here to serve.”
The Rwandan peacekeepers’ efforts have brought hope and relief to the conflict-affected communities, demonstrating the impact of humanitarian work in conflict zones.
