Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
THE Government of Zimbabwe has paid homage to China for its continued support in strengthening the country’s health sector.
This came out on the occasion to mark the 60th anniversary of Chinese medical teams and the annual shift of the China medical teams to Zimbabwe.
For 60 years, China has been dispatching medical teams to African nations whenever the need arises, with Zimbabwe being one of the recipients of the medical teams which have been coming on a yearly basis for the past 38 years.
This Wednesday, the officials from the two governments converged at the Chinese Embassy in Harare to celebrate the friendship spanning over decades, which has resulted in many lives being saved by the Chinese doctors working with local doctors.
The celebrations were officiated by Vice President General Retired Dr Constantino Chiwenga, who is also the Minister of Health and Child Care.
“We are aware that our collaboration in the provision of health care is in line with President Xi Jinping’s vision of cooperation with the African continent. In the context of Zimbabwe, this cooperation is guided by a protocol between the Republic of Zimbabwe and the People’s Republic of China concerning the sending of a Chinese medical team to work in Zimbabwe. The agreement is meant to strengthen the friendly cooperative relations between the two countries in medical and health services. Zimbabwe cherishes the comprehensive strategic partnership between our two republics. The health of our people is a priority of the Government of Zimbabwe and will continue to strengthen our collaboration with the People’s Republic of China for the mutual benefit of our two nations,” he said.
Charge d’Affaires and Minister Counsellor of the People‘s Republic of China in Zimbabwe, Mr Cheng Yan commended the good relations that exist between the two countries.
“Over the past 38 years, the Chinese medical team has forged profound friendships with the Zimbabwean people. They are not only envoys of China’s medical cooperation with Zimbabwe, but also a golden brand of the China-Zimbabwe friendship,” he noted.
Captain of the outgoing team of Chinese doctors, Dr Zhu Wei is satisfied with having saved a lot of lives during his team’s mission in Zimbabwe, “It’s a great opportunity for me and my team to have been of service to the people of Zimbabwe and given another chance, I would love to come back.”
Over the past 38 years, China has sent 19 medical teams to Zimbabwe with 188 personnel comprising specialists from various medical fields ranging from neurology, gynaecology, and neonatal to general surgery.
