Staff Reporter
THE Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Namibia says one of the key benefits of China-Namibia cooperation is the contribution of Chinese medical personnel to traditional therapeutic healthcare, with the services provided free of charge under bilateral agreements between the two governments.
Healthcare remains a major pillar of cooperation between Namibia and China, encompassing medical services, health infrastructure development, the training of health professionals, and the promotion of traditional medicine.
Since 1996, Chinese medical teams have provided free traditional Chinese medicine services to communities in Namibia, particularly at Katutura State Hospital in Windhoek. According to Chinese Ambassador to Namibia Zhao Weiping, the 15th Chinese medical team, whose term ended last year, treated more than 19,000 patients over an 18-month period. The 16th medical team, led by Dr Huang Qin, arrived in Namibia in 2024 to continue the programme.
At Katutura State Hospital, acupuncture has become increasingly popular among patients seeking complementary treatment options for various conditions.
Patients have also shared positive experiences with the treatment. Hilja Kapandhi, who suffered from back pain for four years, said acupuncture treatment at the Chinese clinic helped improve her condition within weeks.
Another patient, Anna Ngola, said she experienced significant relief after completing three acupuncture sessions, describing the treatment as an effective alternative to conventional medication.
The Omuthiya District Hospital in the Oshikoto Region was constructed through a grant from the People’s Republic of China. Construction began in 2009 and was completed in 2011. Built by China Jiangsu International Economic and Technical Cooperation, the facility was initially designed as a 60-bed hospital before later being expanded to 64 beds.
At Walvis Bay District Hospital, Namibia and China have implemented a hospital cooperation programme supported by medical equipment donations from the Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The initiative forms part of a broader Chinese-Africa healthcare cooperation programme aimed at strengthening medical services across the continent.
The donated equipment, valued at more than US$1 million, includes a range of essential medical devices. Namibia has also received support in acquiring advanced medical technology, including a high-tech CT scanner installed with assistance from Chinese specialists and technical teams.
Walvis Bay District Hospital Senior Medical Officer Dr Augustus ≠Gawab praised the bilateral partnership, saying the cooperation demonstrated the importance of international diplomacy in bringing tangible benefits to communities.
“We are very grateful for the partnership that has brought us close together with the People’s Republic of China, which has definitely played a vital role,” he said.
Executive Director in the Ministry of Health and Social Services Penda Ithindi also highlighted the value of China’s support in advancing Namibia’s healthcare capabilities, particularly through modern medical technology.
Chinese medical team leader Dr Huang Qin said the cooperation between Chinese and Namibian health professionals has expanded beyond clinical services to include research and knowledge sharing.
“We do many things, many clinic works and research and study for each other with our Namibian colleagues. I think we have good cooperation with each other,” Huang said.
Ambassador Zhao Weiping said the three-decade medical partnership reflected the close friendship between the two countries, noting that Chinese medical teams had remained committed to supporting Namibians, including during the COVID-19 pandemic when medical supplies were donated to assist the country’s response.
The healthcare collaboration forms part of the broader Namibia-China relationship, which continues to expand across multiple sectors as both countries seek to deepen cooperation and advance shared development goals.
Photo: Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Namibia
