Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense organized a ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday as a send-off for its soldiers to head for South Sudan for a United Nations peacekeeping mission.

These officers will work at Vietnam's third Level-2 Field Hospital in the African country.

The ceremony was attended by leaders of the Ministry of National Defense, officials from the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, attachés, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Public Security, the Vietnam Women's Union, and units directly involved in UN peacekeeping missions.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of National Defense Hoang Xuan Chien appreciated the cooperation of the UN, Australian government, and other partners in deploying the third Level-2 Field Hospital in accordance with plans.

Delivering a speech in virtual form, UN Under-Secretary-General Atul Khare praised Vietnam’s efforts in sending Level-2 field hospitals to UN peacekeeping missions since 2018.

Khare commended the staff of Vietnam’s Level-2 field hospitals for their work, especially in treating COVID-19 patients and in sharing valuable experience in pandemic prevention and control.

The third Level-2 Field Hospital was established in March 2020 with 70 staff members, including 63 official members and seven alternate ones.

The officers have completed training in the English language, military medical expertise, politics, technical logistics, peacekeeping knowledge, and survival skills.

They received their first COVID-19 vaccine shots on March 16 and will have their second shots in South Sudan once they have arrived.

All 63 official members are divided into two groups and scheduled to depart on two occasions, March 24 and April 21.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!