LOME, April 18 (Xinhua) — The 28th Chinese medical team, based in Lome, on Friday organized a day of free medical consultations, health screenings, and wellness education for local residents in Togo’s capital. The initiative, part of China’s ongoing medical assistance program in Africa, aimed to address gaps in primary healthcare access and promote preventive medicine in underserved communities.
The medical team, composed of physicians, nurses, and public health specialists from various Chinese hospitals, offered services including blood pressure and glucose testing, vision and dental screenings, infectious disease counseling, and maternal and child health consultations. Over 500 residents participated in the event, with many receiving referrals for follow-up care at local health facilities.
According to team leader Dr. Liu Wei, the outreach focused on early detection of chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, which are rising concerns in Togo due to urbanization and lifestyle changes. “Preventive care saves lives and reduces long-term burdens on the health system,” Dr. Liu stated. “By bringing services directly to communities, we help people understand their health status and take proactive steps.”
The Chinese medical team has been stationed in Lome since 2023 under a bilateral health cooperation agreement between China and Togo. Since its deployment, the team has treated over 12,000 patients, conducted more than 300 surgical procedures, and trained nearly 500 local health workers in areas such as emergency response, infectious disease control, and telemedicine.
Togo’s Ministry of Health praised the initiative as a valuable complement to national efforts to strengthen primary healthcare. Minister of Health and Social Protection, Prof. Moustafa Mijiyawa, noted that partnerships like this help expand access to essential services, particularly in peri-urban and rural zones where resources remain limited.
China’s medical assistance programs in Africa have operated for over six decades, with teams deployed in more than 40 countries. These missions emphasize not only direct patient care but also capacity building, infrastructure support, and knowledge exchange. In Togo, past teams have contributed to the renovation of clinics, the donation of medical equipment, and the introduction of traditional Chinese medicine practices such as acupuncture and herbal therapy in select hospitals.
Global health experts highlight that such international medical collaborations play a critical role in advancing universal health coverage, especially in low-resource settings. A 2023 review published in The Lancet Global Health found that China’s medical teams in Africa have consistently improved service delivery, increased patient satisfaction, and supported local health workforce development through sustainable training models.
As non-communicable diseases continue to rise across West Africa, preventive outreach like the April 18 event in Lome represents a growing priority. The World Health Organization estimates that hypertension affects over 30% of adults in Togo, although diabetes prevalence has doubled in the last decade. Early screening and health education remain key strategies in mitigating these trends.
The 28th Chinese medical team is scheduled to remain in Lome through 2025, with plans to expand outreach to neighboring regions and deepen collaboration with Togo’s National Institute of Hygiene. Future activities include joint vaccination campaigns, nutrition awareness programs, and teleconsultation services linking local clinics with specialists in China.
By combining clinical service with education and partnership, the team exemplifies a model of global health engagement that prioritizes both immediate relief and long-term resilience. For residents of Lome, the free medical day was more than a clinical visit—it was an opportunity to see health as a shared, accessible right.