Story by ZBC Reporter
THE handover ceremony for the 22nd and 23rd China Medical Teams (CMTs) at the Chinese Embassy in Harare this Friday underscored the enduring partnership between China and Zimbabwe in advancing healthcare and social development.
Addressing the ceremony, His Excellency Ambassador Zhou Ding praised the outgoing 22nd CMT for their service since March last year.
“Since your arrival, you have worked tirelessly at the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and across the country, providing medical services to more than 11 000 patients,” he said.
“Your dedication, professionalism, and compassion have strengthened Zimbabwe’s healthcare system and deepened the bonds of friendship between our peoples.”
Ambassador Zhou also reminded the incoming 23rd CMT of its responsibilities.
“You are entrusted with a great honour, as well as significant responsibilities. Uphold the highest standards of medical ethics and professionalism. Your tour of duty has been extended to one and a half years, and for the first time, includes a public health expert to focus on infectious disease prevention, medical exchanges, and professional training,” he said.
Reflecting on the historical ties between China and Zimbabwe, Ambassador Zhou noted: “As early as 1976, during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, the China Medical Team stationed in Mozambique provided life-saving treatment to Zimbabwean guerrilla fighters. Since the first CMT arrived in 1985, Chinese medical experts have treated over 104 000 patients across all ten provinces and contributed significantly to medical training and knowledge transfer.”
China’s support extends beyond deploying medical teams.
“We have also built hospitals, provided medical supplies, facilitated technology transfer, and offered professional training,” the Ambassador said.
“Projects such as Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital, Mahusekwa China-Zimbabwe Friendship Hospital, and the National Pharmaceutical Warehouse are tangible symbols of our partnership.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, China donated 17 million vaccine doses and essential medical equipment. Ambassador Zhou added: “Through initiatives like the ‘Bright Journey’ programme, Chinese ophthalmologists have helped over 1 400 cataract patients regain sight. In partnership with UNAIDS, we will soon launch a project aimed at reducing high HIV infection rates among adolescent girls and young women in four provinces.”
Highlighting broader bilateral cooperation, he said: “China and Zimbabwe’s partnership goes beyond healthcare. Our support spans infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, and other sectors crucial to national development. Chinese enterprises have invested significantly in Zimbabwe, creating jobs, boosting local economies, and supporting community health initiatives.
“The rotation of the CMT represents a continuation and a new chapter of our shared mission: to safeguard health, alleviate suffering, and improve the well-being of our peoples. I wish the outgoing 22nd CMT every success in your future endeavours, and the incoming 23rd CMT a smooth transition and notable accomplishments,” Ambassador Ding said.
The handover ceremony reaffirmed China’s long-standing support for Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector, reinforcing decades of friendship, solidarity, and professional collaboration.
