From a nurse to a " peace messenger"
Among the soldiers of Vietnam's Level 2 Obstetrics Hospital No. 5 on international missions in South Sudan, Military Hospital 120 honors four soldiers, including two females: Professional Major Bui Hai Thuan and Professional Major Nguyen Thi An.
Major Bui Hai Thuan - Nurses of the Department of Surgery, Trauma and Orthopedics - shared: "I wrote a volunteer petition as soon as the unit announced the selection of a person to participate in international missions. After nearly six months of training in politics, military, logistics - engineering, medical expertise and peacekeeping skills according to United Nations standards, on September 24, 2024, I officially left for South Sudan".
Major Bui Hai Thuan said that becoming a "blue pet ambassador" is not easy. In addition to health and courage, she also had to learn foreign languages, military skills, foreign affairs, and the moral qualities of Uncle Ho's soldiers.
Major Bui Hai Thuan also added that before leaving, she and her colleagues also learned singing, growing vegetables, and cooking Vietnamese dishes to promote their hometown's culture.
'On the occasion of the Lunar New Year 2025, my teammates and I will celebrate Tet in Africa. At that time, we wrapped Chung cake and banh tet together to enjoy the flavors of our hometown and introduce Vietnamese cuisine to international friends, said Major Bui Hai Thuan.
As a Muong ethnic, Ms. Thuan also brought to South Sudan traditional folk melodies and dances in exchange programs with local people. "There are people who don't know English, we pointed out the signs and laughed together. Those are unforgettable memories, said Major Bui Hai Thuan.
Major Bui Hai Thuan also shared: "I hope that on October 20 this year, I will complete my mission well and hope to return soon, making up for the feelings for my two children after more than a year apart."
The bravery of a military doctor in Africa
Major Nguyen Thi An - Head Nurses of the Examination Department - Military Hospital 120, joined the United Nations peacekeeping force in South Sudan from September 22, 2025.
I always try to improve my expertise, practice my ethics and excellently complete my assigned tasks, to be worthy of the image of a Vietnamese soldier in the eyes of international friends, Major Nguyen Thi An shared.
With a husband and two children, a son in grade 9, and a daughter studying at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Major Nguyen Thi An shared: "It is not easy to "pull off the shirt". The longing for children and family members must be put aside to take care of common tasks. I have undergone rigorous training in foreign languages, survival skills, negotiation, war response, natural disasters and practical drills in the harsh conditions of South Sudan.
"My experience working at Military Hospital 120 has helped me adapt quickly to the international environment. I am lucky to always have the support of my family. In addition to professional duties, I also wear ao dai, conical hats, and ao ba to promote the image of Vietnamese women. Banh xeo cake that I make is loved by many international friends. The happiest thing is when I can harvest green vegetables from the self-growing garden with my teammates, said Major Nguyen Thi An.
Proud of Vietnamese female soldiers
South Sudan - the third largest country in Africa, located along the Nile River - has more than 12 million people, harsh climate, and difficult living conditions. For Vietnamese female soldiers, it is a place to test the will, determination and noble international spirit of peacekeeping soldiers.
Colonel Tran Minh Han - Party Secretary and Political Commissar of Military Hospital 120 said: "From 2021 to now, the unit has had 9 soldiers participating in the United Nations peacekeeping force in South Sudan, including 3 women. Many comrades have completed their mission and returned in the pride of their teammates and families.
On the occasion of Vietnamese Women's Day October 20, the Party Committee - Board of Directors of the Hospital sent wishes to all female soldiers, especially those on international missions. You are the pride of Military Hospital 120 and the Armed Forces of Military Region 9, the beautiful image of Vietnamese women in the new era, Colonel Tran Minh Han shared.
