Volunteering in humanitarian and conflict zones is defying in so many ways. From living far from your family and in volatile security situations to experiencing limitations in basic needs, the list is long. None of this deterred Dr Heri Suratno from leaving his home country, Indonesia, to care for those building peace. Dr Suratno shares what he does as a UN Volunteer Medical Doctor in Afghanistan.
Currently, 15 Indonesians are serving as international UN Volunteers, contributing to advance peace and development worldwide. I am one of them. Since October 2022, I have been part of the Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) in Kandahar, Afghanistan, which falls under the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
Dr Suratno has been a valued member of the UNAMA team and has implemented important improvements to the systems and quality of medical services for international and local staff. His diverse medical skills, coupled with significant experience in developing countries, has enabled him to cope in the very challenging conditions of Afghanistan. --Dr Simon Peter Angura Okia, Officer-in-Charge of the UNAMA Joint Mission Service and Dr Suratno’s supervisor
I provide 24-hour health services to United Nations personnel in Kandahar. I am a critical resource for emergency preparedness and response capacity and ensure the availability of emergency care and stabilization capability. I am also tasked with rapidly responding to any trauma incidents, including mass casualty situations and ensuring readiness for casualty and medical evacuations at field level. This comes alongside providing routine care, health education and promotion for UN personnel.
Volunteering in an emergency setting has impacted my perspective on global issues and humanitarian crises, especially how the United Nations prepares for an emergency situation and develops its crisis management and evacuation plan. --Dr Heri Suratno, UN Volunteer Medical Doctor with UNAMA, Afghanistan
In the event of an emergency, I ensure the availability of health supplies and services. I identify the nearest hospital that meets UN standards for referral and further treatment, equipped with laboratories, x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) and so on.
I conduct health campaigns on vaccines, cleanliness in public kitchens and the surrounding environment and provides regular first aid training to all UN personnel, serving with local and international agencies or missions. As a matter of routine, I carry out inventory checks for drugs and medical devices and accompany field mission activities, especially in southern Afghanistan.
When I applied to become a UN Volunteer in Afghanistan, I wanted to provide and share my expertise in the field of health with the international community, especially those working and living in conflict areas. --Dr Heri Suratno
Serving within a diverse environment in terms of nationalities, cultures, languages has provided me with rich experience at a personal and professional level. Coupled with the beauty and natural wealth of Afghanistan, this adds to an experience that I will never forget.