Blue Helmets for Peace
When the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) hit the mission area of the UN peacekeeping force in Mali, the first confirmed cases were reported in the eastern sector on April 16. A Chinese peacekeeping medical unit responded quickly to set up isolation wards and carry out detection, quarantine and other protective measures.
The area is on the southern rim of the Sahara, characterized by prolonged droughts and high temperatures. The Chinese medical personnel had to change shifts every hour due to the harsh working conditions, with the thick protective suits obstructing their breathing, layers of masks chafing their faces and ears, and dripping sweat stinging their eyes behind goggles.
Zhu Siqiang, Commander of the Seventh
