{"id":120548,"date":"2026-02-25T15:37:34","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T15:37:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/rwandan-peacekeepers-offer-free-medical-care-to-prisoners"},"modified":"2026-02-25T16:36:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T16:36:18","slug":"rwandan-peacekeepers-offer-free-medical-care-to-prisoners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/policy\/rwandan-peacekeepers-offer-free-medical-care-to-prisoners","title":{"rendered":"Rwandan Peacekeepers Offer Free Medical Care to Prisoners"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>Rwandan peacekeepers serving under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) in Bria conducted a medical outreach at Bria Prison on Tuesday, February 24, providing free healthcare services to inmates.<\/p>\n

The initiative was carried out by Rwanda Battle Group 8 in collaboration with the Rwanda Level 2 Hospital contingent. It aimed to address essential health needs within the prison community by offering a wide range of medical services, including internal medicine consultations, gynecological care, dental treatment, and other critical healthcare support.<\/p>\n

The activity was attended by the Director of Bria Prison, Mahamat Adoum Salle, the Commander of the Rwanda Level 2 Hospital, Col Dr Christian Mukwesi, and the Commander of Rwanda Battle Group 8, Lieutenant Col David Ngabonziza.<\/p>\n

Salle expressed sincere gratitude to MINUSCA leadership and the Rwandan peacekeepers for their timely intervention. He described the UN mission as a longstanding and reliable partner in various areas of support and commended the medical outreach as a strong example of effective cooperation.<\/p>\n

He further highlighted the challenges prisoners face in accessing medical care, particularly due to shortage of essential medicines and medical supplies.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen prisoners have health problems, we take them to the hospital where medication is prescribed, but obtaining the medicines is often difficult,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is extremely important that the Rwandan peacekeepers under MINUSCA have come to provide free medical treatment to our inmates.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Commander of the Rwanda Level 2 Hospital, stated that the outreach was guided by the fundamental peacekeeping principle of protecting civilians.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis medical outreach at Bria Prison demonstrates our commitment not only to maintaining security but also to promote the well-being, dignity, and fundamental rights of every individual,\u201d Mukwesi said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHealth is a universal right, not a privilege, by offering free medical consultations, treatment, and preventive care to prisoners, we reaffirm that every human life is precious and deserve compassion,\u201d said.<\/p>\n

He added that the initiative highlights the broader role of peacekeepers beyond security operations, reflecting solidarity, partnership, and a shared responsibility to uphold human rights.<\/p>\n\r\n