Chinese medical team brings free healthcare to Uganda's remote border district

KIKUUBE, Uganda - As the sun rose over the Rift Valley escarpment in Uganda's remote western district of Kikuube, 45-year-old Jennifer Nyangoma made her way to a much-anticipated free medical camp.

For weeks, villagers in this region bordering the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo had heard of a healthcare outreach organized by a Chinese medical team from Kampala, more than 300 kilometers away.

The team, comprising cardiologists, pediatricians, general surgeons, acupuncture specialists and public health experts from the 24th Chinese medical team, was joined by over 20 Ugandan medical professionals. As they set up at Buhuka Health Center III, a community-level facility serving over 10,000 people, Nyangoma was among the first in line.

After her diagnosis, doctors recommended acupuncture, a traditional Chinese needle therapy.

"The doctors have checked me and said they are going to insert several needles in me. I received the treatment and I hope I will get better. I have moved to several health facilities, but I continue to suffer from joint and back pain," Nyangoma told Xinhua.

By midday, hundreds had gathered in the sheltered waiting area. Among them was 30-year-old Evelyn Atuhura and her three children.

"By 7 am, I was already up preparing the children to come here. My children have not been very well. The Chinese have given us treatment, and I really thank them," she said as she received medication.

Linard Kule, acting in-charge of the health center, said the camp not only provides critical care and medical supplies but also fosters knowledge exchange between Chinese and Ugandan health professionals.

Li Yun, head of the Chinese medical team, said the camp aims to serve about 1,000 people. "We also learnt a lot from our Ugandan colleagues. I am inspired by the resilience of local healthcare workers providing services in such a remote area with limited resources," said the Chinese doctor.

The annual camp is organized by China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), which is developing the nearby Kingfisher oil project.

Hu Weijie, acting president of CNOOC Uganda Limited, said the initiative reflects the company's long-term commitment to the health and well-being of local residents.

"Since the initiative started, thousands have received critical medical care," Hu said, adding that as CNOOC develops Uganda's oil and gas sector, it remains equally focused on the health and safety of the people.

"Health is not only a basic human right, it is also the foundation for strong families, productive communities, and sustainable national growth," he said. Public health cooperation is a key part of the 10 partnership actions announced at the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, said Fan Xuecheng, minister counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Uganda.

"China pledged to help build more hospitals across Africa, continue sending medical teams, enhance joint disease prevention and control, and expand access to essential medicines and medical training," Fan said. "This represents not only China's commitment to Africa's health sector but our belief in building a shared future where development and dignity go hand in hand."

He said that Chinese medical teams have provided consultations to hundreds of thousands of people in Uganda since 1983, supported local hospitals, and trained health workers.

"In both urban centers and rural communities, Chinese doctors have worked shoulder to shoulder with Ugandan colleagues to improve lives. The team present here today continues this proud tradition, offering not only equipment and care, but also hope, sincerity, and solidarity," Fan said.