For over five decades, Chinese medical teams have been a lifeline for thousands in Madagascar, offering critical healthcare services and fostering cross-cultural solidarity. Marking 50 years of medical cooperation, the 24th batch of Chinese medical professionals will arrive in Madagascar in May, continuing a legacy that began in 1975.
Among the seasoned professionals is Dr. Li Yongsheng, a 62-year-old chief physician at the Gansu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Having served in Madagascar for ten years, Dr. Li reflects on his mission with a deep sense of purpose, bringing hope, building friendships, and bridging cultures through care. Li compiled a Chinese-Malagasy medical textbook to help younger team members overcome language barriers and adapt to the local environment more easily.
“A quarter of my medical career has been spent in Madagascar. The simplicity of the local people and their love toward Chinese doctors have become precious memories that I will cherish for life. As long as I’m needed here, I will not hesitate to come back,” Li said as he is set to return to China.
Dr. Li is one of many medical workers from Gansu Province who have volunteered to serve in Madagascar’s hospitals. Over the years, more than 700 medical professionals from Gansu have treated patients, trained local staff, and conducted community outreach across the island nation. In a country where healthcare access can be limited, particularly in remote regions, the presence of these teams has been transformative.
The partnership dates back to the era of Chairman Mao Zedong, who initiated the global deployment of Chinese medical teams as a gesture of solidarity with developing nations. Since then, medical diplomacy has become a core part of China’s foreign policy, especially in Africa, where healthcare challenges remain significant.
Today, the landscape is evolving. The Chinese medical teams not only bring modern tools and medicines but also integrate traditional Chinese medicine, offering a holistic approach that resonates with many Malagasy patients.
Beyond treatment, the Chinese teams have invested heavily in knowledge transfer. Dozens of Malagasy doctors and nurses have been trained in both conventional and traditional medical practices. Local physicians, credits Chinese doctors for enhancing their skills.
