05 Nov 2026

In hospital c corridors across Botswana, a remarkable story of friendship and healing has unfolded for nearly half a century since the arrival of the first Chinese Medical Team from Fujian Province in 1981.

The mission has evolved into a longstanding pillar of health cooperation between Botswana and China, with successive teams contributing to improved access to healthcare and stronger professional partnerships.

Today, the 18^th Chinese Medical Team, whose members continue to serve at the country’s two national referral hospitals in Gaborone and Francistown, carries that legacy forward. 

In an interview, team leader Mr Hou Deliang said the mission represented more than the provision of medical services, describing it as a 45-year commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery through mutual learning and cooperation.

He said working alongside local doctors and nurses had enabled the Chinese specialists to share expertise in various medical fields while also learning from their Botswana counterparts.

For the team, he said, the assignment went beyond consultations and surgical procedures to include the exchange of knowledge and collective efforts to improve patient outcomes.

Mr Hou said the nature of the medical assistance had evolved over the years, with the initial focus on addressing critical healthcare gaps gradually expanding to include specialised treatment, professional training, technology transfer and sustainable health development.

Chinese Ambassador to Botswana, Mr Fan Yong had during previous engagements, indicated that the 18 successive teams of Chinese medical professionals, travelled thousands of miles to serve in Botswana, collectively providing more than three million consultations and treatments and performing over 130 000 operations across the country.

He commended the teams for mentoring Botswana’s medical professionals and creating opportunities to enhance their skills.

The then acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Tshepo Machacha said the partnership had continued to flourish over the years, with the deployment of Chinese medical teams to the two national referral hospitals every two years standing out as one of its significant achievements.

“The Fujian Province Chinese dedication in health to Botswana has significantly improved access to specialised healthcare, enhanced the quality of medical services, strengthened the capacity of our healthcare system and ultimately contributed to improving the health outcomes of our people,” he said.

As the 18^th team approaches the end of its two-year assignment, its members will welcome a successor team to continue the work of providing medical care, transferring skills and nurturing the longstanding friendship between the two countries. ENDS