China-Namibia bilateral relationship leaves lasting impact on Namibian health sector

As a testament to the enduring friendship between China and Namibia, the bilateral relationship has yielded remarkable results in the Namibian health sector.Since 1996, a dedicated team of traditional Chinese medical practitioners from Zhejiang Province in China has been stationed at the acupuncture department in Windhoek&#039;s Katutura State Hospital, offering alternative treatments to thousands of Namibian patients.Over the past 26 years, the Chinese medical team has provided their services to an astounding total of over 180 000 patients.The incumbent 15th Chinese medical team continues this legacy, diligently attending to more than 50 patients every day. Their expertise in Traditional Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture, massotherapy, cupping, and music therapy, has helped address various health issues such as lower back pain, knee pain, insomnia and neck pain, among others. Notably, these services have been well received by the Namibian patients.Nujoma and Kamwi approve"The Chinese medical team&#039;s presence and dedication in Namibia&#039;s health sector will be remembered as an outstanding example of medical cooperation between two sisterly countries," Namibia&#039;s founding father, Sam Nujoma, said on Chinese Doctors&#039; Day last year.Nujoma said the Chinese medical team&#039;s devoted service will go down in the annals of medical achievements in Namibia.Former Namibian health minister Dr Richard Kamwi has praised the effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine – having benefitted from them himself."I used to struggle with back pain after I strained my back some years ago. I came to the acupuncture department, and they treated me for a period of five days. The results were phenomenal. Aside from normal old-age discomfort, I have not had problems of a similar nature since," Kamwi said recently.The bilateral relationship between China and Namibia goes beyond medical care. The Zhejiang Province, which dispatches the medical team, has generously donated a total of seven ambulances to the Namibian government over the years. This invaluable contribution has enhanced the country&#039;s emergency response capabilities and improved access to critical healthcare services.Covid interventionsMoreover, in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Chinese medical team has played an instrumental role in curbing its spread within Namibia.They have facilitated the exchange of China&#039;s pandemic-fighting experiences with local hospitals, donating essential emergency supplies to the ministry of health and hospitals on multiple occasions. The team has also provided treatment for Namibian patients suffering from Covid-19 after-effects, ensuring their well-being even after recovering from the virus. China’s Sinopharm vaccine was widely used in Namibia and the Chinese government donated 100 000 doses of vaccines as part of the Namibian government’s vaccination plan.Shortly after the outbreak of the pandemic in Namibia in early 2020, China provided assistance immediately and donated more than 50 batches of anti-pandemic materials one after another, including test kits, ventilators, oxygenators, protection suits, and nearly one million masks.Medical-cultural exchangeIn an effort to promote cultural exchange, the Chinese medical team has actively shared their knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine with the Namibian community.In 2022, they organised four enlightening lectures on traditional Chinese medicine and its therapies at prominent institutions like UN Namibia House, the University of Namibia, Chairman Mao Zedong High School and the ACC Centre. These lectures were warmly embraced by the local population, showcasing the growing interest and appreciation forChinese medical practises.China&#039;s commitment to global healthcare extends beyond Namibia. Over the past six decades, China has sent medical teams consisting of 30 000 members to 76 countries and regions across five continents, providing an impressive 290 million diagnoses and treatments to local populations. Currently, Chinese medical teams are actively working in 115 sites across 56 countries, with nearly half stationed in remote areas with challenging conditions.Humanitarian effortsChina&#039;s dedication to supporting Namibia extends to humanitarian efforts as well. The People&#039;s Republic of China&#039;s First Lady, Peng Liyuan, sent medical supplies to African countries, including Namibia, through the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), bolstering the fight against Covid-19. Last month, she also dispatched a medical team to Namibia, offering free healthcare check-ups to underprivileged young children at the Namibia Children&#039;s Home.The remarkable impact of the China-Namibia bilateral relationship in the health sector highlights the depth of cooperation and mutual respect between the two nations. Through Traditional Chinese Medicine and humanitarian support, China has left an indelible mark on the Namibian healthcare landscape.Further collaborationIn November 2019, the Namibian health ministry, with the assistance of the Chinese government, represented by its vice-premier Sun Chunlan, launched its telemedicine approach. China also donated two ambulances worth over N$820 000 for its eye clinic.The telemedicine approach enables local eye specialists to consult Chinese experts via conference call in order to make sound diagnoses for their patients.In 2018, five Chinese doctors and three nurses conducted some 240 surgeries in Windhoek and Rundu to remove cataracts, which is one of the leading causes of blindness in the country. This was done through China&#039;s Brightness Action programme, which also benefits other African countries.CaptionSTRENGTHENING BONDS: Leaders of China and Namibia forge a lasting partnership through healthcare cooperation and friendship. PHOTO: FILE

China-Namibia bilateral relationship leaves lasting impact on Namibian health sector

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Namibian Sun 2025-01-27

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China-Namibia bilateral relationship leaves lasting impact on Namibian health sector

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Namibian Sun 2025-01-27

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