'Thank you, Chinese doctor!' echoes across 50 years of trust

A shared responsibility

Over the past five decades, Chinese medical assistance in Madagascar has continued across generations, carrying forward both professional skills and a shared sense of responsibility.

When Ma Shirong, a CPC member and a physician from Gansu Provincial People's Hospital, first arrived in Madagascar in 1990, he brought a Xinhua Dictionary to assist with daily work. When his mission ended, he left it to the next team, writing on the first page: "Please cherish it and pass it on."

Years later, doctors who used the dictionary told Ma that the small book had helped them greatly during their missions.

"For me, it was not just a dictionary. It carried the experience and memories of generations of medical workers," Ma said.

The missions also reflected the continuity of the teams' discipline and sense of responsibility while overseas.

They cleared land, planted vegetables and dried local fruits such as lychees to improve their lives. They also invited locals to join in activities such as planting trees and working in the fields, creating more opportunities for mutual understanding and friendship.

This spirit of unity continued with teams that worked on Chinese enterprises in Madagascar. The China Railway 18th Bureau, for instance, carried out joint Party activities such as studying China's diplomatic policies and organizing health education programs on common diseases.

For Chinese medical workers, overseas missions also mean representing their country through everyday interactions.

"People may not know your name, but they know you are Chinese. Your words and actions can influence how they see your country," He said, adding that this awareness encouraged him to communicate more with local residents and pay closer attention to his behavior.

"When you are overseas, you understand the meaning of your motherland more deeply," Wang Jianhua said. "Seeing the Chinese flag far from home reminds you of where you come from and the responsibility you carry."

Today, cooperation between Gansu and Madagascar continues to evolve, with a new team carrying forward the experience, skills and commitment built by generations of medical workers.

Earlier this year, China launched its initiative of "100 Medical Teams in 1,000 Villages", setting a goal of conducting more free clinics and medical consultations in about 1,000 residential areas of host countries by 2027.

A Chinese medical team from Shandong province has been working on health education and free consultation activities related to schistosomiasis in Tanzania. They also visit schools and local orphanages to treat children and donate medicines, earning widespread praise from the local residents.

The Zambian government on Friday commended the 26th Chinese medical team from Henan province for its contribution to improving healthcare delivery in the country.

Yang Mingze, Wu Yuexuan and Tong Yunshan contributed to this story.