The opening ceremony of the Qihuang Institute of Medicine. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_383720d160e5]

The?inauguration of Africa's first Qihuang Institute of Medicine was held at the China-Congo Friendship Hospital in?Brazzaville?on Dec 3.

The ceremony brought together representatives from both nations, including Li Jie?from Tianjin Health Commission, officials from Congo's Ministry of Health and Ministry of International Cooperation, local government leaders, and medical institution heads.

The First Teaching?Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine signed a memorandum of understanding with the China-Congo Friendship Hospital to jointly establish the institute.

Its establishment marks a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation, aiming to strengthen collaboration in talent development, technology transfer, and joint research. By enhancing local medical services, the institute will also serve as a vital platform for China-Africa exchanges in traditional medicine.

Following the ceremony, guests toured the facilities and experienced hallmark practices of traditional Chinese medicine, including baduanjin (a traditional form of breathing and stretching exercise), acupuncture massage, and herbal sachet making. The institute also launched its first lecture, where Chinese experts introduced local medical students to TCM fundamentals.