Chinese Medical Team Brings Free Healthcare to Uganda’s Kikuube District

• Chinese medical team provides free healthcare in remote Uganda.
• Over 20 Ugandan medical professionals collaborated with the Chinese team.
• The camp aims to serve about 1,000 local residents.
• CNOOC organizes this annual healthcare outreach initiative.
• Officials emphasize health as a basic human right and community foundation.

Medical Outreach Aims to Support Local Community Well-Being

As dawn broke over Uganda’s Kikuube district, 45-year-old Jennifer Nyangoma was among the first in line for a much-anticipated free medical camp that had been buzzing in local chatter. The excitement was palpable among villagers who had heard stories of the Chinese medical team’s outreach, which came from Kampala—so more than 300 kilometers away. This diverse group of healthcare providers included cardiologists, pediatricians, surgeons, and acupuncture specialists, all part of the 24th Chinese medical team, and were joined by over 20 Ugandan medical professionals to serve the community at Buhuka Health Center III, a facility designed to cater to more than 10,000 individuals.

Teamwork Between Chinese and Ugandan Health Professionals

By early afternoon, a crowd had formed, filling the sheltered waiting area of the health center, with 30-year-old Evelyn Atuhura and her three children among those eager for treatment. Evelyn expressed her gratitude, saying, “By 7 a.m., I was already up preparing the children to come here. The Chinese have given us treatment, and I really thank them.” On the other hand, after a thorough diagnosis, Nyangoma was recommended acupuncture for her persistent joint and back pain, having visited several facilities without relief. This initiative, as Linard Kule, acting in-charge of the health center, emphasized, is not merely about treatment but also about fostering an exchange of knowledge between Chinese and Ugandan medical personnel, enhancing local healthcare capabilities.

CNOOC’s Commitment Fuels Health Care Initiatives in Uganda

This annual camp is organized by China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), which is also developing the Kingfisher oil project in the region. Hu Weijie, acting president of CNOOC Uganda Limited, highlighted the company’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of Ugandans, stating that since the initiative’s inception, thousands have received much-needed medical care. He firmly stated, “Health is not only a basic human right, but it also forms the foundation for strong families, productive communities, and sustainable growth at a national level.” This partnership emphasizes the importance of public health cooperation, a focus that was robustly reaffirmed during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held in Beijing last year.

The free medical camp organized by the Chinese medical team exemplifies a significant effort to provide healthcare in Uganda’s remote regions. Not only does it deliver essential medical services, but it also emphasizes collaboration between Chinese and Ugandan health professionals. This initiative highlights the underlying belief that health care is fundamental to community strength and national development.