Safeguarding health in times of crisis

Proving joint medical services and emergency response

From routine check-ups to critical emergency response, UN Volunteer health professionals within the Joint Medical Services and Medical Emergency Response Team play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of those working tirelessly to support the Afghan people.

Hailing from Zimbabwe, Doctor Phanuel Tawanda Gwinji joined the United Nations Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in March 2020 as a Medical Officer. A seasoned medical professional, he brought nine years of experience to UNAMA. "I was motivated to join an organization that works towards alleviating human suffering in times of crisis and need," says Phanuel. 

As a Medical Officer, Phanuel contributes to the mission support for medical and trauma care, working with the mission, UN agencies, funds, and programmes. He says, “My assignment entails providing 24-hour coverage to the UN personnel and ensuring that they remain healthy to fully contribute towards their roles in implementing their mandates and providing services to the intended beneficiaries.” 

Phanuel also supports emergency preparedness and response, including medical and casualty evacuations, and ensures the availability of appropriate emergency care capabilities for the clinic.

Phanuel exhibits the highest levels of medical professionalism when attending to the health needs of UN personnel and he is always ready to mentor and assist team members. His experience in disaster response has been instrumental to the UN medical team in Afghanistan." -- Dr Simon Okia, Chief Medical Officer, UNAMA.

Thanks to social platforms, Phanuel navigates homesick hurdles by regularly connecting with friends and families. "One of the most gratifying things about being a UN Volunteer is serving in a cross-cultural context with people from all walks of life who are united for a common purpose – serving humanity," he says.

Embracing the Spirit of Service

Namrata Kundu describes her impulse to become a UN Volunteer by the ‘Sēvā Paramo Dharmah’ ethos, translated as ‘Service is the highest duty.’  She believes in ‘The World as One Family’, transcending continents, languages, cultures, and culinary traditions.

A registered nurse from Chhattisgarh, India, Namrata serves with UNAMA in Afghanistan as an Emergency Nurse since January 2023. Having been an integral part of the COVID-19 Task Force back home in Indian Railways, Namrata witnessed the deadliest waves of the pandemic, and this instilled in her to advocate for vaccination, especially to the unreached and underserved communities.

Her prior experience with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) exposed her to the humanitarian working environment.

Namrata's service includes immediate care, extending emergency preparedness and response, supporting the Joint Medical Services and Medical Emergency Response Team, administering vaccinations, and leading health education initiatives to ensure the well-being of UN personnel both within UNAMA, all UN Agencies, Funds, and Programmes in Afghanistan. She adds, "My experience as a UN Volunteer will always remain a remarkable milestone. I find volunteering the most selfless and to the core of being a human being."

Namrata's inspiration to future volunteers: "We make life by what we give, and I believe every small attempt matters. One needs a generous heart full of grace to serve. So start where you are.”