12 October 2010 - Soldiers from the Joint Integrated Units (JIUs) graduated today from a four-week first aid and emergency medicare training conducted by UNMIS Bangladesh Medical Team in Central Equatoria State.

Some 38 soldiers, drawn from the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), who make up the JIUs, received certificates during a ceremony held in the southern capital of Juba. The JIUs were formed in 2005 following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

"As beneficiaries of this training you will have to ensure that the knowledge and skills acquired benefit the rest of your colleagues and communities you came from," said JIUs Commander Maj. Gen. Marial Chanuong Yol.

The training, part of ongoing efforts by the Bangladeshi team to enhance JIU first aid capacities, included transportation of sick or wounded patients, dealing with mass casualties and checking vital signs.

Speaking at the ceremony, UNMIS Hospital Commanding Officer Col. Abubakar Sigelique said the training enhanced and strengthened the capacity of JIUs to deal with medical emergencies, especially when medical personnel were unavailable.

"I believe with the knowledge given to them, they will be able to provide training to their colleagues ... and use available resources around them to help their colleagues in critical situations as they wait for the doctor for further treatment," said Col. Sigelique.

Bangladesh Battalion Commanding Officer Col. Mohammed Yusuf reiterated the commitment of UNMIS' Bangladesh contingent to continue building the capacities of Sudan's armed forces.

UNMIS Central Equatoria State Coordinator Fatima Persson stressed that UNMIS would continue to support JIUs, who played an important role in maintaining peace in Sudan.

In 2009, 25 JIUs received a similar training in Juba.