In an effort to boost health in local communities, UNMIS' Pakistani contingent held two free clinics at Jurot and Zareeba villages near Kurmuk, Blue Nile State, on 25 and 26 March 2008, respectively.

The camp at Jurot, set up in Shareq Primary School, treated 1,053 patients, including 189 men, 281 women and 583 children. At Zareeba's elementary school, some 751 patients were seen, including 114 men, 193 women and 444 children. In addition, a total of 72 laboratory tests were carried out in the two towns.

Each medical camp set up seven outpatient departments, a dispensary, laboratory and minor operating theatre, and provided patients with free medicine. Patients were mainly suffering from worm infestations, malaria, upper respiratory tract infections, and anaemia.

The Pakistani contingent has held 22 free medical camps in Blue Nile State, which have boosted rapport with local people and gained support for implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.