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China-Namibia bilateral relations have far-reaching impact on Namibia’s health sector

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China-Namibia bilateral relations have far-reaching impact on Namibia’s health sector

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Over the past 26 years, Chinese medical teams have provided medical services to more than 180,000 patients in Namibia.

China-Namibia relations have achieved remarkable results in Namibia’s health sector, reflecting the enduring friendship between the two countries.

Since 1996, a team of professional Chinese medicine practitioners from Zhejiang Province, China, has been stationed at the Acupuncture Department of Katutura State Hospital in Windhoek, providing alternative therapies to thousands of Namibian patients.

Over the past 26 years, Chinese medical teams have provided services to more than 180,000 patients.

The current 15th Chinese medical team continues this tradition, providing meticulous treatment to more than 50 patients every day. Their TCM skills include acupuncture, massage, cupping, music therapy, etc., helping patients solve various health problems such as low back pain, knee pain, insomnia, neck pain, etc. It is worth noting that these services have been well received by Namibian patients.

Nujoma and Kamwe agree

Sam Nujoma, the founding father of Namibia, said at last year’s “Chinese Doctors’ Day”: “The presence and dedication of the Chinese medical team in Namibia’s health sector will be remembered as an outstanding example of medical cooperation between the two sister countries.”

Nujoma said that the selfless dedication of the Chinese medical team will be recorded in the history of Namibia’s medical cause.

Dr. Richard Kamwe, former Namibian Minister of Health, praised the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine, saying he himself had benefited from it.

“I had been suffering from back pain since I sprained my back a few years ago. I came to the acupuncture department and they treated me for five days. The results were amazing. Apart from the normal discomforts of old age, I have not had similar problems since,” Kamwe said recently.

China’s bilateral relationship with Namibia is not limited to the medical field. Zhejiang Province, which sent the medical team, has generously donated seven ambulances to the Namibian government over the years. These invaluable contributions have enhanced Namibia’s emergency response capabilities and improved Namibian access to critical medical services.

COVID-19 Intervention Measures

In addition, in the face of the new coronavirus epidemic, the Chinese medical team played an important role in curbing the spread of the epidemic in Namibia.

They actively promoted the exchange of China’s anti-epidemic experience with local hospitals and donated urgently needed supplies to the Namibian Ministry of Health and hospitals on many occasions. The medical team also provided treatment for Namibian patients with sequelae of COVID-19 to ensure their health after recovery. China’s Sinopharm vaccine is widely used in Namibia, and the Chinese government donated 100,000 doses of vaccine to the Namibian government as part of the Namibian government’s vaccination plan.

After the outbreak of the epidemic in Namibia in early 2020, China immediately extended a helping hand and donated more than 50 batches of anti-epidemic materials to Namibia, including testing reagents, ventilators, oxygenators, protective clothing, nearly one million masks, etc.

Medical and cultural exchange

To promote cultural exchanges, the Chinese medical team actively shared knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine with the Namibian community.

In 2022, they held four inspiring lectures on TCM and its therapies at renowned institutions such as the United Nations Namibia House, the University of Namibia, Chairman Mao Zedong Middle School and the ACC Center. These lectures were warmly received by the local population, indicating a growing interest and appreciation for TCM.

Traditional Chinese medicine practice.

China’s contribution to global healthcare is not limited to Namibia. Over the past six decades, China has sent 30,000 medical teams to 76 countries and regions on five continents, providing an impressive 290 million consultations to local people. Currently, Chinese medical teams are active in 115 locations in 56 countries, nearly half of which are stationed in remote areas with difficult conditions.

Humanitarian efforts

China’s support for Namibia also extends to humanitarian efforts. Peng Liyuan, the first lady of the People’s Republic of China, has sent medical supplies to African countries, including Namibia, through the African First Ladies’ Development Organization to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Last month, she also sent a medical team to Namibia to provide free medical examinations for underprivileged children at the Namibian Children’s Home.

The remarkable achievements in the health sector of China-Namibia bilateral relations highlight the depth of cooperation and mutual respect between the two countries. Through traditional Chinese medicine and humanitarian assistance, China has left an indelible mark on Namibia’s medical field.

further cooperation

In November 2019, the Namibian Ministry of Health launched the telemedicine project with the assistance of the Chinese government, represented by Vice Premier Sun Chunlan. China also donated two ambulances worth more than 820,000 Namibian dollars to the Namibian Eye Clinic.

Telemedicine allows local ophthalmologists to consult with Chinese experts via teleconference to make a reasonable diagnosis for patients.

In 2018, five Chinese doctors and three nurses performed about 240 cataract surgeries in Windhoek and Rundu, one of the leading causes of blindness in the country. The surgeries were carried out through China’s Bright Journey programme, which also benefits other African countries.

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Strengthening ties: Chinese and Namibian leaders build lasting partnership through medical cooperation and friendship. Photo: File photo

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