26 May 2023
As the border town between South Sudan and Sudan, Abyei has long faced security issues and healthcare deficiencies due to an absence of governmental institutions and medical facilities. To provide field colleagues and security officers with awareness of vital safety measures and medical skills to navigate this challenging environment, UNDSS, in collaboration with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) Safety and Security Section, conducted a comprehensive medical training program for 25 UN personnel from the two departments. The training took place at UNISFA's Mission Headquarters from 21 to 24 May 2023.
The three-day intense training covered a wide range of emergency skills, such as first aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/ Automated External Defibrillator (AED), use of force and less Lethal tactical measures, as well as guard force management. Participants also learned about access control and the use of various security screening equipment, including handheld metal detectors, walkthrough metal detectors, X-ray machines, and vehicle mirror search methods. For the practical application of these skills, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) provided a replica pelican training kit equipped with demo Explosive Remnants of War (ERWs), enabling practical exercises in screening and vehicle search methods.
The training program proved to be a resounding success, showcasing the potent impact of cross-sectional and departmental collaboration. "We received excellent feedback from both the security team and the Nigerian Force HQ Defence Unit,¡± said Luis, UNISFA Chief Security Officer. ¡°The success is a result of the effective collaboration between the Nigerian Contingent, the Medical Unit, UNMAS, and the UNHQ. Their expertise and support were the driving forces behind the fruitful delivery of the program.¡±
This joint effort has fostered enduring and robust synergies between the security team and the military unit. Looking forward, UNDSS is committed to maintaining this collaboration to reinforce the safety and health protocols of UN personnel amid the challenging conditions of the Abyei region.