50 years of Chinese medical team in Niger: strong friendship and health partnership

On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the Niger Ministry of Public Health and Hygiene, led by Colonel-Major Dr. Garba Hakimi, hosted a landmark event at the Niamey General Reference Hospital to celebrate five decades of Chinese medical collaboration in Niger.

Over the past 50 years, successive Chinese medical teams have served in Niger, contributing their expertise, dedication, and professionalism to improve healthcare access for local communities. During the ceremony, Dr. Garba Hakimi commended the Chinese teams for their unwavering commitment, reinforcing Nigeria’s health infrastructure and strengthening bilateral ties.

strengthening health systems and saving lives

The event also marked the official handover of a significant aid package from the Chinese government—valued at approximately 99,244,000 FCFA—consisting of essential medicines and medical supplies for the Niamey General Reference Hospital. Speaking on behalf of the Nigerien government, the minister highlighted the profound impact of this long-standing cooperation, which spans patient care, medical training, skill transfer, and the introduction of advanced medical techniques.

Dr. Garba Hakimi emphasized that thousands of patients have already benefited from high-quality treatment thanks to this partnership. He also acknowledged the People’s Republic of China as a historic and strategic ally in advancing Niger’s health development goals, expressing hope for continued collaboration that delivers even greater results for the people of both nations.

a legacy of medical diplomacy and service

The Chinese Ambassador to Niger, His Excellency Lyu Guinjun, reflected on the half-century partnership, noting that the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has deployed nearly 800 highly skilled doctors and nurses from its top hospitals to Niger. Working alongside their Nigerien colleagues, these medical professionals have treated approximately 1.8 million patients, embodying the spirit of medical diplomacy.

The ambassador also highlighted China’s vision for building a global health community, as proposed by President Xi Jinping, which has gained international recognition. He noted that China’s recently adopted 15th Five-Year Plan will open new avenues for deepening health sector coordination between China and Niger.

empowering local health systems

Du Zhenzong, Head of the Health Commission delegation from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, underscored that Chinese medical teams have provided care to over 2.3 million people in Niger over the past 50 years. Their efforts have also included training and mentoring more than 45,000 health workers, fostering deep bonds with local communities, and contributing to sustainable health system development in the country.

The Director-General of the Niamey General Reference Hospital, Mr. Daou Mamane, welcomed attendees and praised the decades-long contributions of the Chinese medical teams. He described the recent donation of medicines as a vital support for the hospital and the broader Nigerien health system, ensuring that critical resources reach those in need through proper channels.

celebrating partnership and future collaboration

The ceremony concluded with a symbolic gift exchange between Nigerien health officials and the Chinese medical delegation, followed by the signing of a new partnership agreement aimed at further strengthening health cooperation between the two nations.