Georgian Peacekeeping Mission [medical technology applications]

Despite the advances in medical technologies in the West, it is extremely difficult to apply and/or deliver these technologies to conflict zones under the auspices of the UN Peacekeeping Mission. The most difficult challenge is the delivery by UN medical personnel of appropriate technology which is easily transferable and can be operated by trained professionals. Such transference involves overcoming political, religious, ethnic, cultural and bureaucratic obstacles. The UN Observer Mission in the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict, despite excellent military leadership, experienced disastrous medical consequences due to political maneuvering, the lack of quality of key personnel, and clearly defined responsibilities. Local misunderstanding of mission purposes led to unrealistic expectations of available medicine and equipment. Nevertheless, the UN Observer Mission in Georgia helped avert a full-scale armed conflict. Especially in medical emergencies and other life-threatening situations, mission personnel would pull together and overcome personal, political and cultural differences in order to prevent loss of human life.