Ancient Chinese sayings remind us that “good medicine tastes bitter but cures disease,” that “health is the greatest wealth,” and that “the superior doctor prevents illness before it begins.”
Such proverbs, rooted in centuries of medical philosophy, resonated strongly at the Chinese Embassy on Thursday as Zimbabwe and China renewed their long-standing health partnership.
In a ceremonial handover, the outgoing 22nd China Medical Team concluded its mission while the 23rd team officially began its service, continuing more than four decades of medical cooperation between the two nations.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas T. Mombeshora, Permanent Secretary Wenceslas Nyamayaro praised the departing medical team for strengthening clinical services and sharing expertise with Zimbabwean professionals during their tenure.
“Your commitment has gone beyond the call of duty. You have managed complex cases with skill and precision, introduced new techniques, supported multidisciplinary consultations, and extended services to communities through outreach programmes. Many Zimbabwean families are healthier and more hopeful today because of your expertise and compassion,” Nyamayaro said.
He added that the collaboration has contributed to Zimbabwe’s broader health sector reforms under Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2, which aim to build a resilient and equitable healthcare system with universal access to quality services.
Nyamayaro also highlighted the importance of continued training, technology transfer and professional exchange between the two countries. Zimbabwe, he said, is strengthening disease surveillance systems, laboratory networks and outbreak preparedness. The inclusion of a public health specialist in the incoming team comes at a critical time as the country shifts toward prevention-centred healthcare delivery.
Chinese Ambassador Zhou Ding described the handover as a continuation of a long-standing tradition of solidarity between the two nations. He said the 22nd China Medical Team had treated more than 11,000 patients since arriving in Zimbabwe in March last year, contributing both medical services and professional training.
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“To the incoming members of the 23rd China Medical Team, you are entrusted with a great honour as well as significant responsibilities. As you begin your mission, I encourage you to carry forward the proud spirit of the China Medical Team and uphold the highest standards of medical ethics and professionalism,” Zhou said.
He noted that China’s medical cooperation with Zimbabwe dates back decades, including assistance during the liberation struggle and the deployment of the first official medical team in 1985. Over the years, China has dispatched 22 medical teams comprising more than 200 doctors, along with several short-term missions, collectively serving more than 100,000 patients across Zimbabwe’s provinces.
Zhou added that cooperation has expanded beyond clinical services to include infrastructure development, medical supplies, training programmes and technology transfer. He cited projects such as Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital, the Mahusekwa China-Zimbabwe Friendship Hospital and the National Pharmaceutical Warehouse as examples of the partnership’s impact.
Captain of the incoming team Ma Zheng said the 23rd China Medical Team consists of nine specialists from Hunan Province, covering fields including internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, respiratory medicine, orthopaedics, radiology and traditional Chinese medicine.
“The 23rd medical team comprises nine carefully selected professionals. For the first time in the history of our Zimbabwe mission, we include a public health specialist, enabling us to address both treatment and disease prevention in an integrated manner,” he said.
Outgoing captain Zheng Xingyou reflected on the team’s year-long mission, during which they treated more than 10,000 outpatients and emergency cases and more than 3,000 inpatients, while introducing new medical technologies and conducting outreach medical camps.
“The China-Zimbabwe Traditional Chinese Medicine Centre continued to provide acupuncture, cupping and other services, bringing professional medical care, health guidance and sincere support to grassroots Zimbabwean communities,” Zheng said.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of medals recognising the service of the 22nd China Medical Team.
Zimbabwe-China health cooperation continues to play a strategic role in strengthening national healthcare delivery. Through medical teams, infrastructure investment, training programmes and technology transfer, the partnership supports both treatment and prevention. Cultural exchanges between the two nations have also deepened professional collaboration and mutual understanding among healthcare workers.
These initiatives complement Zimbabwe’s national health reforms and Vision 2030 development agenda, contributing to the building of a more resilient, modern and accessible health system for communities across the country.
