Publisher: First Affiliated Hospital

Date: March 26, 2025

On March 21, 2025, the 13th batch of Chinese medical teams, dispatched by the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, returned to China after a successful 12-month mission providing medical assistance in Ghana. A welcoming ceremony was held at the hospital to honor the team’s contributions during their time abroad.

(At the welcoming ceremony)

Attending the ceremony were several dignitaries, including Sun Yu, Secretary of the Party Committee of Jinan University; Deng Linfeng, Deputy Secretary of the Joint Party Committee of Private Hospitals and Health Societies of the Guangdong Provincial Health Commission; and Chen Quan, Director of the Exchange and Cooperation Department of Guangdong Provincial Health Commission, among others.

Sun Yu emphasized Jinan University’s commitment to supporting the Belt and Road initiative and enhancing China's diplomatic relations. He commended the First Affiliated Hospital for its critical role in promoting Jinan's medical excellence through practical actions. Sun encouraged faculty and students to draw inspiration from the medical team’s dedication, embodying the Jinan spirit of  loyalty, sincerity, integrity and respect.  in their endeavors to drive medical innovation and foster international cooperation.

Deng Linfeng expressed his admiration for the team's performance, referring to them as the most beautiful 'health ambassadors' in the new era, acknowledging their significant contributions to China-Ghana relations and the global healthcare landscape.

Guo Jun highlighted that the medical team exemplified the Chinese Medical Team Spirit through their exemplary skills and compassionate care, establishing a significant legacy in China-Africa health cooperation. He reiterated the hospital’s commitment to engaging globally, particularly in Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, aiming to enhance Jinan's influence within the global health sector.

Team leader Zhang Rijia provided a comprehensive report detailing the team's activities, supported by impressive statistics and heartfelt anecdotes. She emphasized the vital role of medical aid to Africa as a bridge of friendship between China and the continent, expressing pride in representing the nation through their humanitarian efforts.

(Team members in action)

During their mission at the China-Ghana Friendship Hospital in Accra, the medical team, composed of 11 members including experts in various specialties, provided care to numerous patients. Their impact included treating 6,305 outpatients, facilitating 447 hospitalizations, conducting 313 surgeries, and performing various diagnostic procedures such as X-rays and electrocardiograms. They also tailored training initiatives, conducting 42 sessions and five special lectures for local health workers, and offered services to the Chinese community in Ghana.

(Medical staff and beneficiaries together)

The team implemented the Minimally Invasive Surgery in Ghana, Bright View of the World charity surgery project, and significantly improved the lives of Ghanaian patients through advanced medical interventions, including successful ankle joint replacement surgeries. Shortly before their return, the Ghanaian Ministry of Health honored the team with a certificate of appreciation for their contributions to building a human health community. They had previously received the “Outstanding Consular Assistance Volunteer Unit” designation from the Chinese Embassy in Ghana for their exemplary service in 2024.

The 13th batch of Chinese medical teams exemplified the spirit of dedication, resilience, and altruism, reaffirming China's commitment to global health initiatives and the welfare of people around the world.