Chinese Medical Team Brings Free Healthcare to Uganda’s Kikuube…

A Chinese medical team provided free healthcare in Kikuube, Uganda.
Residents received treatment for various ailments at the medical camp.
The outreach included knowledge sharing between Chinese and Ugandan health professionals.

Chinese Medical Team Offers Free Healthcare in Uganda

In a remarkable display of community service, a Chinese medical team recently visited Kikuube, a remote district in western Uganda, to provide free healthcare. The team, consisting of a diverse group of medical professionals, including cardiologists, pediatricians, and general surgeons, traveled from Kampala, located over 300 kilometers away. This outreach program, organized by the 24th Chinese medical team, aimed to bring much-needed medical support to the area, particularly in communities like those surrounding Buhuka Health Center III, where health resources have been scarce.

Local Residents Benefit from Medical Outreach

The excitement surrounding this healthcare outreach was palpable, especially among residents like Jennifer Nyangoma. She had suffered from persistent joint and back pain and was one of the first to arrive at the medical camp. After her consultation, the doctors recommended acupuncture, a traditional Chinese therapy, as part of her treatment. Nyangoma expressed hope and gratitude, voicing her appreciation for the care provided, especially given her previous challenges in finding effective treatment at local health facilities. Hundreds of other villagers also eagerly waited for their turn, including 30-year-old Evelyn Atuhura and her children, who thanked the team for their ongoing support and treatment.

Collaboration Between Chinese and Ugandan Doctors

The health camp not only offered medical care but also served as a platform for cultural and knowledge exchange between Chinese and Ugandan health professionals. Li Yun, the head of the Chinese medical team, noted their goal was to assist roughly 1,000 locals during this event, while expressing admiration for the resilience of Ugandan healthcare workers who manage to provide essential services under challenging circumstances. This collaborative effort underscores a broader commitment by China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), which organized the camp to support both healthcare and the development of the Kingfisher oil project nearby. Hu Weijie, the acting president of CNOOC Uganda Limited, reiterated the company’s dedication to public health, emphasizing that health is fundamental to individual and community welfare.

Long-standing Commitment to Health Causes

Public health cooperation through such initiatives has been a cornerstone of China-Africa relations, as pointed out by Fan Xuecheng, minister counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Uganda. He mentioned that since 1983, Chinese medical teams have made a significant impact by providing consultations, training local health workers, and supporting hospitals in the country. Through efforts like these, the aim is to uplift healthcare services and ensure accessibility for all, especially in rural areas like Kikuube, improving lives while fostering hope and solidarity between nations.

The recent healthcare camp in Kikuube exemplifies the commitment of the Chinese medical team alongside local Ugandan professionals to improve health outcomes in rural communities. With thousands receiving assistance and treatment, this initiative not only improves medical care but also strengthens the collaboration between China and Uganda in the health sector. The work done here continues a longstanding tradition of cross-cultural partnership aimed at enhancing healthcare access for people in need.