On October 6, 2026, in Bangui, 72 peacekeepers from the Pakistani contingent at the MINUSCA Level II Hospital—including 14 women—were awarded the United Nations Medal. This honor recognizes their commitment to peace and their medical support for United Nations personnel and partners in the Central African Republic, following twelve months of service with the Mission.
The ceremony was attended by Ebrima Ceesay, Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for the Central African Republic. He said, “Your work has made the entire Mission’s work easier,” and emphasized that this medal presentation was more than just an official ceremony: “The medals you are receiving are a symbol of our gratitude and our commitment. “They also recognize the sacrifices you have made, often under difficult circumstances and far from your families and loved ones.”
The UN official emphasized the importance of the medical contingent's contribution to the well-being of the Mission's staff. “Since your arrival, you have played a key role in the health and well-being of our staff. At the Level II hospital in Bangui, you have treated thousands of patients. Through your surgical, diagnostic, dental, and rehabilitation services, you have improved the quality of care available within the Mission,” he said.
He added that the medical team’s innovations—particularly in orthopedics, rehabilitation, oncology, surgical care, and emergency medicine—have significantly strengthened MINUSCA’s medical capabilities.
An outstanding medical record
For his part, the commander of the MINUSCA Level II Hospital, Colonel Dr. Syed Arif Raza Zaidi, praised the performance of the Pakistani contingent’s medical team since its deployment. According to him, these peacekeepers have succeeded in transforming MINUSCA’s Level II+ health facility into a safe, efficient, and resilient facility capable of providing high-quality support to the Mission’s various components.
“Since our arrival, we have done everything in our power to provide the best possible services in the areas of inpatient care, outpatient care, intensive care, and medical evacuations for our clients, who include military contingents, police officers, and civilian Mission personnel, United Nations agencies, the diplomatic corps, and senior officials of the Central African government.”
The head of the Pakistani medical team also presented a summary of the activities conducted over the past year.
“During our mission, the MINUSCA Level II Hospital treated 168 inpatients, including 45 critical cases. These complex medical situations required sound and vital decisions to save the lives of our valued colleagues.
The Pakistani contingent at the MINUSCA Level II Hospital took over from its Serbian counterparts in October 2025, following their service with the Mission since its establishment.
By Roger Fleury Koursany
