Indian Peacekeepers Offer Free Medical Aid to Hundreds in Malakal Camp

(Malakal) – More than 300 displaced people have received free medical care in the conflict affected Upper Nile state of South Sudan, during a two day outreach organized by Indian peacekeepers under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The outreach was held at the Protection of Civilians site near the UN base in Malakal, where many internally displaced persons (IDPs) have sought shelter due to ongoing insecurity in the region.

According to UNMISS, the outreach reached 315 individuals suffering from various health problems. Patients were examined, diagnosed, and given appropriate treatment and advice by a team of Indian medical peacekeepers, who are stationed in the area as part of the UN mission’s peacekeeping mandate.

Dr. Sandeep Ravi, one of the Indian medical officers involved in the effort, said the initiative aimed to provide urgent health services to people with little or no access to medical care. “The conflict has reduced access to health services for many people in Upper Nile. Many clinics are no longer functioning. This outreach is a way to bridge that gap, even if temporarily,” he said. “Good health is a foundation for peace. When people feel cared for, they also regain a sense of hope.”

Mary Joseph, a 20-year-old resident at the camp, said she had suffered for three months with a leg problem but couldn’t afford treatment. “I didn’t have the money to go to a clinic. Today, these doctors helped me. They gave me medicine and pain relief. I hope I can get back to running my small business,” she said.

The outreach comes at a time when many international and non-governmental organizations have scaled back health services due to funding shortages. Community leader Albino Amum, who helped coordinate the event, said the effort by Indian peacekeepers was timely. “This has filled a big gap. People here have no way to pay for medical treatment, and they are in need. We hope this won’t be the last medical outreach they do,” he said.

The success of the initiative was also felt by the medical team. Dr. Ravi said that the gratitude shown by the community was deeply moving. “As peacekeepers and health professionals, this is why we’re here. Seeing the appreciation and knowing we helped makes all the effort worthwhile,” he said.

This kind of outreach by UN peacekeepers is part of broader efforts to not only protect civilians, but to help rebuild trust and provide services where the local system has collapsed. Upper Nile, like many other parts of South Sudan, has experienced repeated waves of violence and displacement since the country’s civil war began in 2013. Humanitarian needs remain high, particularly in camps for displaced people who are reliant on external aid.

UNMISS says it plans to continue supporting community-led initiatives that meet urgent needs while also strengthening ties between displaced civilians and peacekeeping forces. The mission hopes similar outreach activities will be possible in other regions as resources allow.