HCM CITY — A new team of medical staff is heading to Africa for the UN’s peacekeeping mission to establish a hospital in South Sudan.

They will be joined by more Vietnamese personnel next month. All staff members have received their COVID-19 vaccinations.

The team were waved off on their mission during a ceremony in HCM City on Tuesday.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lt. Gen. Hoàng Xuân Chiến said he appreciated the cooperation of the United Nations, the Australian Government and partners with Việt Nam in deploying the third Level-2 hospital to replace the second Level-2 Field Hospital in accordance with plans that have been adjusted due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A ceremony was held on Tuesday in HCM City to bid farewell to members of the third Level-2 Field Hospital who will participate in the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Vũ

The officer said staff completed training in foreign languages and pandemic prevention and control, all materials and equipment have been packed, and the hospital is ready for its international mission.

Delivering a speech in virtual form, UN Under-Secretary-General Atul Khare spoke highly of Việt Nam’s efforts in UN peacekeeping missions since 2018. He said the participation reflects the strong commitment to the partnership between Việt Nam and the UN.

The UN official commended the staff of Việt Nam’s Level-2 field hospitals for their work, especially treating COVID-19 patients and in sharing valuable experience in epidemic prevention and control.

Director of the third Level-2 Field Hospital Lt Col Trịnh Mỹ Hòa, on behalf of the hospital’s staff, said it is their honour to join UN peacekeeping activities, contributing to the implementation of the Party and State’s foreign policy and enhancing Việt Nam’s position in the international arena.

The third Level-2 Field Hospital was established in March 2020 with 70 staff members.

They will be transported on Wednesday to South Sudan by military aircraft provided by Australia. — VNS