China's 27th medical team dispatched to the Kara Region in Togo, hailing from North China's Shanxi province, arrived Kabou, northern Togo, on Nov 16, 2024, holding a free clinic for locals and donating medicine to the Social Medical Center of Kabou.

Over 300 locals warmly welcomed the medical team. Mayor of Kabou Tchapo Kondi said, "We welcome the Chinese medical team and appreciate the care and medication they provide to our people. We hope such clinics become regular, in order to benefit as many people as possible."

China's 27th medical team dispatched to the Kara Region in Togo, hailing from Shanxi, holds a free clinic for locals in Kabou, northern Togo. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

For decades, scenes like this have been common wherever Shanxi's medical teams go abroad. The heartfelt service of these teams fosters genuine connections with locals, uniting hearts across borders.

Since 1975, Shanxi has dispatched 70 groups of medical professionals, totaling 1,449 personnel, to Cameroon, Togo, and Djibouti in Africa for medical missions. Many team members have received international honors like the "Knight Medal", "Independence Medal", and "Outstanding Contribution Award" from host governments.

"We represent our motherland and must embody the virtues of Chinese medical staff members, saving lives through real action," emphasized Kang Yijiong, head of Shanxi's medical team in Cameroon.

"We look forward to establishing a closer and more enduring partnership with Chinese medical teams, working together to enhance healthcare standards and improve the well-being of local residents," said Dr Tsoungui Atangana Pierre Claude, director of the Mbalmayo Hospital in Cameroon.

In early December 2024, the Health Commission of Shanxi Province initiated the training of reserve members for the 2025 Shanxi medical team to Africa. This year, 43 new team members will head to Africa, relieving the previous team and embarking on a new journey of medical aid.