Participants discussed updates on the epidemiological developments and exchanged practical experience in disease prevention, detection, isolation, and the management of suspected infection cases.
The simulation exercise drew representatives from field hospitals and international medical units serving at UNMISS, including those from Pakistan, Mongolia, Ghana, and the Level-1 Hospital in the Unity sector. With a simulated scenario involving a suspected Ebola case in the base, Level-2 Field Hospital No. 7 practiced the full response protocols, from case detection and alarm activation to isolation, treatment, infection control, and ensuring biosecurity for all involved staff.
At the workshop, the Vietnamese peacekeepers shared professional documents, communication materials, screening procedures, and infection-control protocols with other medical units in the Mission, contributing to strengthening coordination and building a common medical response network within the United Nations.
Captain Velasquez Prand, Medical Officer of the Ghana Battalion (GAMBATT), said: “This morning we're privileged to undergo an Ebola drill, how we would tackle Ebola outbreak here in South Sudan. I must say it's been a good exercise, from the lectures in the classroom to the practical session outside. I commend Vietnam for doing a good job in putting out drills and protocols on how to tackle the Ebola outbreak when it happens here in South Sudan.”
International colleagues’ positive assessments reflect the professional reputation of Vietnam’s military medical personnel at UNMISS. Working amidst disease risks and challenging conditions, proactive preparedness will help safeguard the UN personnel and local communities as well as reinforce the image of Vietnamese peacekeepers as professional, responsible, and dedicated contributors to international peacekeeping missions.
