Beyond their routine hospital duties, the team has so far carried out four medical consultation events in the hinterland or border areas of the nation and organized five free medical visits to Chinese-funded enterprises in the nation.

Ahead of this year's Dragon Boat Festival on May 31 and the International Children's Day on June 1, the team visited a local school for children with special needs to provide free health checkups, showcase baduanjin — a traditional Chinese qigong exercise — and gift mosquito-repellent sachets.

"This sachet is not only fragrant and delightful, but also carries the heartfelt sincerity and wisdom of our Chinese friends," said the school president who gave his name Raho.

Wang said that the team is launching training covering basic medical knowledge and clinical practice for local workers and assisting the establishment of a TCM center and an orthopedics center to foster local medical talents and facilitate long-term cooperation.

Data from the National Health Commission shows that China began dispatching medical teams to Africa in 1963. As of August, the nation had sent around 25,000 medical personnel to 48 African countries, providing treatment for about 230 million patients.

Shanxi province undertook the mission of aiding Djibouti's healthcare capabilities in 1981. To date, the province has sent 23 batches of medical teams, comprising 213 medical workers.

Contact the writers at zhuxingxin@chinadaily.com.cn