Mogadishu –The Medical and Field Technology sections of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), have won the 2023 Secretary-General’s award in the UN 2.0 Quintet for Change, in recognition of the innovative pilot Telemedicine project, implemented alongside seven other missions.

A collaboration between the UN Department of Operational Support and the Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT), the award-winning initiative, seeks to enhance access and the quality of medical care for peacekeepers using innovative digital technologies, critical for medical and casualty evacuations.

Telemedicine entails the use of electronic communication and information technologies, such as videoconferencing, online messaging, and mobile apps, to provide healthcare services remotely. It allows patients to consult with healthcare professionals, receive medical advice, and monitor their health without physically visiting a healthcare facility.

Through Telemedicine, frontline medical personnel are able to obtain specialist support for complex cases and allows remotely guided interventions at the point of incident or at lower-tier medical facility.

The Telemedicine project is operated under the Triangular Partnership Programme (TPP), which brings together the Secretariat, Troop- and Police-Contributing Countries, and supporting Member States.

UNSOS Medical Officer, Dr. Robert Ayella and UNSOS Chief of Field Technology Section (FTS), Paul Gimsay welcomed the award, which they described as a vote of confidence that will give impetus to the respective sections.

In an interview on what the award means, Dr. Ayella said, “You know, it is like someone saying thank you for what you have done.” 

 “By giving us this award, it is a recognition of the impact of the services we provide to our clients. For the medical section we really appreciate this award together with our colleagues from FTS,” he added.

 On his part, Mr. Gimsay said he was not surprised with the award, given the immense support from the mission leadership, the availability of the new technologies to support the implementation of the project, the commitment of the team and the cordial working relations with the client.

“The award is an honour and personally, and on behalf of my colleagues-the excellent team members, who worked tirelessly, I feel proud to be associated with this project,” said Mr. Gimsay.

Given the difficult and often challenging operating environment in Somalia, the UNSOS Medical and Field Technology Sections began piloting the Telemedicine project last year, to enhance the provision of medical services to UN staff and African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) personnel, as well as international and national contractors.

The project, targeting beneficiaries, especially those in far flung areas which are often difficult to access, was first piloted in Mogadishu and two other areas which included Jowhar in Hirshabelle State and Kismayo in Jubaland State, before being expanded to Baidoa and Beletweyne, in South West and Hirshabelle States, respectively.

The UN 2.0 Quintet of Change is a set of skills that the United Nations is focusing on to better support its members through a powerful fusion of innovation, data, digital, foresight and behavioural science skills and culture.

Every year, the Secretary-General honours and recognizes significant performance of UN Secretariat personnel who go beyond the call of duty in the discharge of their duties or initiate and implement projects with great impact and innovative potential.

The award reinforces the commitment of UNSOS to driving innovations that ensure the safety and well-being of peacekeepers.