Vietnamese Peacekeeper Doctors Perform Life-Saving Achilles Tendon Surgery on Mongolian Officer in South Sudan

South Sudan – In a powerful display of skill, compassion, and international solidarity, Vietnamese military doctors serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have successfully performed a complex Achilles tendon reconstruction on a Mongolian officer — marking the first surgery of its kind carried out by Vietnam’s Level-2 Field Hospital No.7 on African soil.

According to Vietnam’s Department of Peacekeeping Operations, the operation was performed after the officer, a senior commander from Mongolia’s peacekeeping contingent, suffered a complete rupture of his left Achilles tendon during a training exercise.

Trust Across Borders

After a thorough examination and consultation, the Mongolian officer expressed full confidence in the Vietnamese medical team and requested to undergo surgery at the field hospital, ensuring continuity of care while maintaining his leadership duties within the mission.

Given the complexity of the case, the hospital sought authorization from the UNMISS Chief Medical Officer before proceeding. Approval was swiftly granted, allowing the team to schedule and carry out the procedure.

A Precision Operation in the Heart of Africa

The operation was led by Dr. Tran Duc Tai, Director of Vietnam’s Level-2 Field Hospital No.7. Over the course of nearly an hour, the surgical team worked with absolute focus and precision to reconnect the ruptured tendon using a modified Krackow suture technique — a method designed to enhance tendon strength, minimize bleeding, and promote optimal physiological recovery.

The surgery took place under strict sterile conditions with comprehensive anesthesia, resuscitation, and infection-control protocols in place.

Following the procedure, the patient was transferred to the recovery ward for close monitoring. His post-operative progress has been excellent: the wound remains clean and dry, and functional recovery is on track.

“This successful operation once again demonstrates the professionalism, dedication, and humanitarian spirit of Vietnam’s peacekeeping medical personnel,” said Dr. Tai.

Beyond One Surgery: Building Trust and Saving Lives

This was the third successful surgery performed by the Vietnamese field hospital within its first month of deployment to South Sudan. In addition, the hospital has carried out one aeromedical evacuation, and provided consultation and treatment for over 200 patients from various UN contingents.

Members of Level-2 Field Hospital No.7 also actively participate in all UNMISS medical and peacekeeping training programs, continually strengthening cooperation and readiness to respond to humanitarian and emergency medical needs across the mission area.

A Symbol of Vietnam’s Peacekeeping Commitment

Since joining UN peacekeeping missions, Vietnam has become increasingly recognized for the professionalism and compassion of its “blue-beret doctors” — military physicians who bring both medical expertise and a message of peace to conflict-affected regions.

The success of this operation not only reflects Vietnam’s growing medical capabilities on the international stage but also underscores the country’s unwavering commitment to global peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.