Vietnamese blue beret doctors illuminate hope in South Sudan
WVR - Stationed in Bentiu – one of the more unstable areas of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Vietnamese blue beret doctors from Level 2 Field Hospital No. 7 (BVDC2.7) continue to maintain strict emergency readiness and organize numerous humanitarian and meaningful activities.
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From the operating room to local healthcare activities, these blue beret doctors are helping to spread the image of a professional, responsible, and peace-loving Vietnam.
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| Each successful emergency case is not only a result of professional expertise but also a testament to the courage, responsibility, and reputation of Vietnamese military medicine on the front lines of peacekeeping. (Source: BVDC2.7) |
Maintaining life's rhythm in a challenging land
As the Lunar New Year approaches, the work pace at BVDC2.7 does not slow down. The security situation in the area sometimes becomes complex, requiring peacekeeping forces to maintain a high state of readiness. Rapid response shifts, urgent meetings, and safety assurance plans are promptly activated, while medical tasks must continue uninterrupted.
On the 27th of the lunar month, BVDC2.7 admitted a South Sudanese female patient with acute appendicitis, requiring urgent surgery to prevent dangerous complications. Notably, this patient is a young management officer of a UN organization in the area.
Given the nature of the case, the patient and her family consulted with a Level 1 Hospital in the region and medical experts in the capital Juba, expressing a desire to transfer for more convenient care.
Respecting the patient's decision and adhering to UN professional regulations, the medical team at BVDC2.7 provided comprehensive and transparent consultations on diagnosis, treatment plans, and on-site surgical capabilities.
The surgery was successfully conducted under the direct command of Captain, Doctor Phan Van Hau – Head of the Surgery Department. Despite limited facilities and a risky security environment, each successful emergency case is not only a result of professional expertise but also a testament to the courage, responsibility, and reputation of Vietnamese military medicine on the front lines of peacekeeping.
Recently, BVDC2.7 hosted and served the UN's quarterly COE (Contingent Owned Equipment) inspection team for 2026.
This is a regular inspection activity to assess the level of equipment, logistics, facilities, and readiness of peacekeeping units according to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Vietnam and the United Nations.
Through actual inspections of functional areas, vehicles, equipment, and technical-logistical assurance systems, the team noted that the basic items met the requirements as per the MOU.
Self-maintenance, dining, kitchen, storage, laundry equipment, cold containers, and morgue operations all met standards; the electrical system showed improvement compared to the previous inspection.
The COE inspection results for the first quarter of 2026 continue to affirm the organizational, management, and operational capabilities of Vietnam's field hospital according to international standards; demonstrating high combat readiness and mobility of the forces; while also enhancing Vietnam's reputation at UNMISS.
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| The hospital's management personally visited each ward to wish patients a happy New Year, handing out red envelopes to those under treatment. (Source: BVDC2.7) |
Bringing hope to the local community
In Bentiu, the relationship between Vietnamese blue beret doctors at BVDC2.7 and the local community extends beyond mere medical support.
Through each medical examination, health consultation, donation of essential items, or civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) programs, the image of Vietnamese military doctors becomes increasingly familiar and friendly.
On the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, the hospital's management personally visited each ward to wish patients a happy New Year, handing out red envelopes to those under treatment.
Captain, Doctor Phan Van Hau, who directly performed surgeries to save many patients, also extended New Year wishes and small but heartfelt red envelopes to patients. These simple yet sincere gestures helped warm the atmosphere amidst challenging working conditions.
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| Interaction between Vietnamese blue beret soldiers and local residents. (Source: BVDC2.7) |
Alongside patient visits, the management encouraged emergency shifts, rapid response teams, and security personnel – those who had no rest during New Year's Eve and New Year's Day but kept the hospital in the highest state of readiness.
BVDC2.7 also organized a civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) activity at a primary school in a resettlement area for people displaced by conflict. Over 200 gifts, including books, school supplies, and clothing, were handed to students and teachers.
A drawing contest was held right in the schoolyard. On white sheets of paper, children drew sturdy homes, solid classrooms, dreams of becoming doctors, and desires to protect their loved ones. In many drawings, the image of the Vietnamese flag was placed in a prominent position.
Here, kites bearing the red flag with a yellow star were flown in the Bentiu sky. A small handicraft class under the trees was also organized, guiding local women to create products from native plants, opening up sustainable livelihoods.
From these simple acts, geographical distances and language barriers gradually faded, leaving a profound impression of a humane, responsible Vietnam always accompanying the international community.
Recently, BVDC 2.7 staff organized meaningful activities to commemorate the 71st anniversary of Vietnam Doctors' Day (February 27, 1955 – February 27, 2026), affirming the professionalism, expertise, and humanitarian spirit of Vietnamese military doctors at the UNMISS mission.
On February 25, the BVDC 2.7 delegation worked with the Unity State Health Agency and surveyed Bentiu General Hospital – the main local treatment facility with 175 beds, 20 doctors, 88 nurses, performing 8–10 surgeries daily, mainly handling conflict-related injuries and infectious diseases like measles and cholera.
Facing equipment shortages and high professional pressure, BVDC 2.7 and the sub-region agency agreed to enhance training, technical transfer, coordination to improve emergency, surgical, epidemic prevention capabilities, and support essential supplies; while donating seven boxes of medical supplies to share difficulties with the local hospital.
On February 26, the unit hosted a scientific workshop with participation from Level 1 Hospitals in the sub-region and military medical forces from Pakistan, Mongolia, Ghana, etc., focusing on exchanging malaria treatment experiences, stress management in peacekeeping environments, and updating new medical knowledge.
This was also an opportunity for BVDC 2.7 staff to introduce international friends to the 71-year tradition of Vietnam Doctors' Day, thereby spreading the image of dedicated, ethical Vietnamese doctors with high professional expertise, always ready to contribute to peace and humanity.
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| On Vietnam Doctors' Day, BVDC 2.7 donated medical supplies to share difficulties with the local hospital. (Source: BVDC2.7) |
Doctor Keah Jeach (Level 1 Hospital in the sub-region) assessed BVDC2.7 as a high-quality medical facility, with a team of skilled, dedicated doctors always ready to support the UN forces in Bentiu.
Meanwhile, Doctor Kwabena A. Agyekum also stated that BVDC2.7 is a crucial link in the UNMISS mission; all cases beyond the frontline's capacity are transferred here and handled promptly and effectively, contributing to ensuring healthcare for peacekeeping forces.
It is evident that to uphold the glorious tradition of Vietnam's healthcare sector, BVDC 2.7 staff in Bentiu have demonstrated responsibility, unity, and creativity, contributing to enhancing Vietnam's position and reputation in United Nations peacekeeping operations.
