The Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Colonel-Major Garba Hakimi, presided over a ceremony at the Hôpital Général de Référence in Niamey to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Chinese medical team’s presence in Niger. Over the past five decades, various medical cohorts from China have worked on Nigerien soil, offering their specialized knowledge and unwavering commitment to the local population.
During the event, Colonel-Major Garba Hakimi praised the discipline, expertise, and dedication shown by the Chinese medical professionals. Their collaboration with Nigerien teams has significantly bolstered the capacity of local health facilities and improved healthcare access across the nation. As part of the celebration, the Chinese government provided a donation valued at approximately 99,244,000 CFA francs, consisting of essential medicines and medical supplies for the Hôpital Général de Référence. The Minister emphasized that these missions represent a shared promise to enhance living conditions and deepen the bonds of friendship between the two nations.
A legacy of healthcare transformation
The impact of this long-standing medical cooperation is evident in several key areas, including direct patient care, the professional development of health workers, and the introduction of advanced medical technologies. Thousands of citizens have received high-quality treatment thanks to this partnership. The Minister also paid tribute to the People’s Republic of China as a strategic and historical ally that consistently supports Niger’s development goals. He expressed his hope that this fruitful collaboration would continue to thrive and deliver even greater results for the population in the future.
Diplomatic milestones and future prospects
His Excellency Lyu Guinjun, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Niger, noted that for half a century, the Guangxi Autonomous Region has sent nearly 800 highly skilled doctors and nurses to work in Niger. These “ambassadors in white coats” have treated approximately 1.8 million patients in close coordination with their Nigerien counterparts. The Ambassador highlighted President Xi Jinping’s vision of building a global community of health, which has gained international support. Furthermore, China’s recently adopted 15th Five-Year Plan is expected to create new avenues for deepening health coordination between the two countries.
Adding to these sentiments, Du Zhenzong, head of the Guangxi Autonomous Region Health Commission delegation, remarked that these medical teams serve as messengers of Sino-African friendship. Throughout the 50 years of health cooperation, they have provided medical services to over 2.3 million people and trained more than 45,000 health professionals, contributing significantly to the resilience of Niger’s healthcare system.
The Director General of the Hôpital Général de Référence, Daou Mamane, welcomed the continued support, noting that the donation of medical supplies is a vital boost for both the hospital and the wider national health network. He assured the donors that the supplies would be managed strictly according to professional standards to benefit the public. The ceremony concluded with Minister Garba Hakimi presenting symbolic gifts to the Chinese team and signing a new partnership convention between Niger and China.