Chinese medical team, peacekeepers put a smile on orphans
By Denis Ejulu
The 12th batch of the Chinese medical team in partnership with the 11th Chinese peacekeeping infantry battalion in South Sudan on Friday donated essential goods to orphaned children at Confident Children out of Conflict orphanage in Juba.
Robert Bida Samson, executive director of Confident Children out of Conflict said that the support from the Chinese medical teams over the past years have helped ease the burden of taking care of these children.
“The Chinese medical teams have stood with Confident Children out of Conflict, making sure that all the children receive medical services, screening them both here at the center and also in Juba teaching hospital when the sickness is too serious,” Bida said during the donation ceremony.
The ceremony held under the theme, “one sky one dream” coincided with the celebration of the 100th visit of the Chinese medical team to orphanages in the youngest nation.
Established in 2007, the center is home to orphans, abandoned children and survivors of revenge attacks and gender- based violence.
Bida commended the regular visits by the Chinese medical team, adding that this is critical in their longstanding partnership which has empowered many vulnerable children at the center.
“Some of these children are soon finishing school, I urge that through your empowerment some of them could get employed at Juba teaching hospital to share responsibility with you,” he disclosed.
Gift Gibson Natana, deputy director general at the Juba teaching hospital commended the Chinese medical team for their dedication in providing medical services not only to orphans but also extending these services to communities in remote areas.
“They are providing medical services to the people of South Sudan, and they are also providing medical campaigns and outreaches to the communities within Juba and in remote villages and these programs benefit tens of thousands of vulnerable people,” Natana said.
The 12th batch of the Chinese medical team prior to visiting Confident Children out of Conflict also visited juba orphanage and Rock city orphanage.
The donated items include milk powder, mosquito nets, maize flour, washing powder,, books, school bags, soap, flip flops, tables and chairs and many others.
Lyu Hongyong, commander of the Chinese peacekeeping infantry battalion to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) expressed hope that the support provided to the children would empower them to realize their future dreams.
He added that the scholastic materials and clothing including mosquito nets will transform the lives of the children.
“We wish the children of the orphanage a joyful International Children’s Day. May this contribution add color to their lives and wings to their dreams. May they grow up healthy and strong,” Lyu said.
Chinese peacekeepers hold a one and half- year old baby who was abandoned in Munuki suburb of Juba.
Huo Ying, deputy head of mission in the Chinese embassy in South Sudan expressed her gratitude to the Chinese medical team and the Chinese peacekeeping force their contribution towards peace and development of South Sudan.
“The members of the Chinese medical team have always been committed to improving the health and wellbeing of local children. Helping them grow up healthy and happy. These contributions made by the Chinese medical team have been a valuable legacy in bilateral friendship,” Huo said.
In addition, she noted that the Chinese peacekeeping forces are participating in the UN peacekeeping operations in South Sudan, while the Chinese medical team is protecting the public health security of the South Sudanese.
Huo also commended the contributions of the Chinese companies towards the development of South Sudan, stressing that the Chinese people will always be the most loyal friends of the South Sudanese people.
