Extending a helping hand
People in South Sudan have lauded free medical care being provided by Bangladeshi peacekeepers in the civil war-torn African country.
“My child was sick with fever and cough and was unable to eat. I also have hemorrhoids and body pain. I have no money to buy medicine but they [Bangladeshi peacekeepers] helped us,” said Hawa Daniel, one of the thousands of people displaced by the civil war.
Hawa, who returned to her original residence in Wau, said she was happy to receive free medical care, according to a statement issued by the UN Mission in South Sudan yesterday.
Luis Mungu, another Sudanese, said he was sick for a number of days with cough, but thanks to the peacekeepers, he got medicine. He also got eyeglasses to help with his vision. He said he is grateful to the peacekeepers for their support.
South Sudan’s Health Minister Dr James Patrice in Wau acknowledged the support of Bangladeshi peacekeepers and urged for more assistance in treating malaria in the area.
“I wish to express my gratitude… for standing by the government to support in the health field through providing some medicine and helping our people,” said the health minister.
About 300 people mostly women, children and elderly turned up for the free medical service in the city of Wau.
Col Mazharul Haque, commander of Bangladeshi peacekeepers in Wau, said they are part of the Bangladesh battalion running peacekeeping operation and humanitarian assistance programme.
Most patients are suffering from malaria, some from cough, diarrhoea and headache etc, he said. However, they only have some primary medicine and would continue the humanitarian support within their limited capacity, Col Haque added.
Bangladesh is one of the largest contributors to the UN peacekeeping operations.
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