The year 2023 marks the 60th anniversary of China sending medical teams to foreign countries and also the 60th anniversary of Hubei sending medical teams to Algeria. Open Hubei has released a large-scale humanistic documentary titled “Chinese Doctors in Africa,” portraying the 60-year history of China (Hubei) sending foreign aid medical teams. In the scorching summer of 2023, the production team traveled to the North African country of Algeria for a 22-day on-site shooting. The documentary captures the dedication of generations of foreign aid medical teams over the past six decades, illustrating the enduring commitment and mutual assistance between the Chinese and Algerian people, an unforgettable Chinese story.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/y92CJzlycjk
Unforgettable Chinese Medical Team Members for the Algerians
On July 17th this year, Zhang Dingyu, a member of the 17th batch of the Chinese (Hubei) medical aid team to Algeria, returned to Algeria after a gap of 26 years. During this period, he ran into Fatima, who was searching for the doctor who saved her life. Zhang assisted her in locating the Chinese doctor, Ouyang Shanbei, who had once treated her.
Zhang Dingyu assisted Fatima in finding the doctor who saved her life 26 years ago.
Filouz, who regained her nose through a full nasal reconstruction surgery, also has a Chinese doctor she is deeply grateful for. After a gap of 38 years, she traveled a great distance to China, finally reuniting with the “Chinese mother” who treated her – Li Jinrong, a member of the 11th medical aid team from Hubei to Algeria. The reunion of these two individuals brought tears to everyone’s eyes.
38 years later, the girl who lost her nose finally reunites with her “Chinese mother”.
Every obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) on the Chinese medical teams routinely perform over a dozen cesarean section surgeries in a day. Locally, they are affectionately referred to as “Chinese mothers.”
There is an immense demand for OB-GYNs in Algeria, especially for high-risk pregnancies with a significant number of critically ill expectant mothers, often having larger physiques. For Chinese OB-GYNs, this not only presents a technical challenge but also tests their physical endurance. It is not uncommon for an OB-GYN to perform over a dozen cesarean section surgeries in a day.
Zhu Tao, head of the Setif team, is rescuing an eclamptic pregnant woman.
Chinese OB-GYNs have turned the entrusted mission from their homeland into the courage to overcome challenges. With the national flag proudly displayed on their chests, resolute pledges echoing in their ears, they employ the “Chinese approach” to address various practical difficulties. While providing medical care for expectant mothers, they also teach at local hospitals. The implementation of gynecological laparoscopic techniques has gradually taken root in Algeria.
The Best Years of Life Devoted to North Africa
At 60 years old, Tu Dachun stands as the longest-serving member of the Chinese foreign medical aid team. He has participated in 6 batches of medical aid to Algeria, accumulating 12 years of service. Engaged in orthopedic work, he has performed over 3,000 surgeries in Algeria, pouring his most precious years of youth into the soil of North Africa.
Tu Dachun has dedicated 12 years to the cause of foreign medical aid.
Undeterred by high temperatures and long journeys, this time he traveled to rural areas for a follow-up visit with an elderly patient who underwent hip joint replacement. Witnessing the patient, whom he had treated, able to get out of bed and move freely, Tu Dachun couldn’t conceal his joy and satisfaction.
Yang Yi at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Center in Algiers employs acupuncture to treat patients with leg disorders.
For an uninterrupted period of 60 years, acupuncture doctors from Hubei have been providing medical aid in Africa, healing over 6 million patients. Through their extraordinary medical skills, they have facilitated the introduction and development of traditional Chinese acupuncture in Africa. Moreover, they have actively trained local Algerians to become acupuncture practitioners, leaving behind a series of medical teams that will stay there.
Algerians often struggle to comprehend why Chinese doctors willingly spend numerous years away from their homeland for work. What they may not realize is that despite their deep homesickness, members of Chinese medical aid teams have channeled their longing for their hometowns and loved ones into each dedicated day and night of their tireless efforts.
People of the two countries dancing together before the medical aid team’s return to China
As the two-year foreign aid project approaches the end, the 27th medical team is about to return home. Over the course of the past two years, team members have formed close friendships with the local residents. Filled with reluctance to part ways, they bid farewell, and the 28th foreign aid medical team is poised to take over their responsibilities.
Generations of Efforts to Build a Global Health Community
In September 2023, the 28th Chinese (Hubei) foreign aid medical team set out in full readiness.
Since 1963, Hubei has cumulatively dispatched 3,787 medical team members to Algeria and Lesotho, who have treated 27.57 million patients, admitted 2.87 million inpatients, performed 1.75 million various surgeries, delivered over 2.08 million newborns, and provided training for more than 18,000 healthcare personnel in the recipient countries.
Media Contact
Company Name: Open Hubei(HICC)
Contact Person: Li Xin
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Country: China
Website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y92CJzlycjk