Like many other basic rights, access to health care has long been compromised by ongoing conflict in parts of the Central African Republic (CAR).
Reason for the MINUSCA Pakistani contingent (PAKBATT) in Kaga-Bandoro, central CAR, to offer free medical care to residents of the Lazare IDP Camp on 17 June 2021, as part of the Mission’s Civil-Military Co-operation (CIMIC) activities.
First deployed to the CAR in September 2014, the 750-strong team conducts peacekeeping operations in Bangui, Batangafo, Bamingui, Ndele and Mbres. Like other MINUSCA military contingents, PAKBATT regularly conducts CIMIC activities in addition to its mandated activities – the protection of civilians through creating a secure environment around key population centers and main lines of communication, safeguarding UN personnel and property and escorting humanitarian convoys, among others.
Medical staff carried out medical consultations and checkups for 176 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) – 96 men, 55 women and 25 children. They also provided medication such as antibiotics and painkillers, wrote out prescriptions and made referrals to tertiary health care facilities. In addition, the CIMIC activity raised awareness on Covid-19 preventive measures.
Local prefect Abdoulaye Mahamat praised the efforts of the Pakistani peacekeepers in maintaining peace and their devotion to “assisting the local population beyond the call of duty”. Lazare IDP camp residents similarly expressed their gratitude to the blue helmets for providing health care services “at their doorstep”.
“We thank the Pakistani peacekeepers for providing free medical care for the IDPs. This will no doubt improve the health of the locals,” said camp director Enock Nago.
Other CIMIC initiatives previously conducted by the MINUSCA Pakistani contingent have included raising awareness on mental health, hand hygiene, first-aid training, and on combating conflict-related sexual violence. PAKBATT peacekeepers hope that such medical outreach efforts will not only benefit those in need but also help maintain excellent relations with the host population while promoting a message of peace.