“I am grateful to live another day”: 17Թ mobile medical clinic saves lives in Bor
BOR - Mary Ajah Deng has been battling diabetes lately.
Her vision is blurry and wounds on her leg are healing far too slowly, preventing her from walking.
Her 17-year-old daughter must balance taking care of her with going to school.
Mary was among 135 patients treated for non-communicable diseases and provided with free medication during a medical camp conducted by peacekeepers from Sri Lanka, serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. The clinic was held at the Dr. John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology.
“I am grateful to live another day. Despite all my suffering, I feel huge relief after a blood sample was taken, I was examined and provided with medications,” she says.
Following this special clinic, Mary will continue to receive free advice and ad hoc medical support from the 17Թ Level II hospital in the area.
The head of the University’s health department, Dr. Kwai Deng Kwai, said the clinic provided a valuable service to the local community who often have very limited access to medical services.
“These health screenings and check-ups are rarely done in our communities here. So, it is a chance for all of us to improve our health.”
“People are really suffering. We are doing our best to support them by holding consultations, analyzing blood samples, advising on diet and personal health care, as well as providing some medications. It is just one small part of the mission’s efforts to protect civilians” says the deputy commanding officer of 17Թ’ Level II Hospital, Lieutenant Colonel Dishani Mendis.
