Chinese Medics Treat Patients and Empower Locals in Benin

• Chinese doctors save the life of a critically ill patient in Benin.
• The Mono and Couffo Departmental Hospital Center enhances health care in the region.
• The 27th Chinese medical team has treated over 15,000 patients since January 2024.
• Local and Chinese medical teams are partnering to improve skills and training.
• Longstanding ties between China and Benin focus on health empowerment.

Chinese Medical Team Makes Strides in Health Care

When Chinese doctor Yang Ping entered the intensive care unit on July 14, 2025, she felt an undeniable relief—Beatrice Lawe, a 45-year-old patient who once hovered near death, was now breathing on her own, her vital signs stable after an intricate emergency operation. Yang, leading the 27th batch of the Chinese medical team, could hardly believe the turnaround. Just weeks earlier, Lawe was in dire straits following surgeries for peritonitis and appendicitis at another medical facility, only to suffer severe complications that sent her to the Mono and Couffo Departmental Hospital Center in Lokossa, southwest Benin.

Building Trust Through Successful Treatments

Yang recalled her initial assessment, noting how daunting the situation was. “Based on clinical experience, the odds of her survival were almost nil,” she said. However, despite the grim prognosis, Yang and her dedicated colleagues went ahead with emergency procedures, with full support from Lawe’s family. Miraculously, just two weeks later, Lawe was awake and her medical condition had stabilized. Her story didn’t just highlight a clinical advancement; it had evolved into a significant emblem of trust and camaraderie between Chinese doctors and the local community.

Longstanding Commitment to Healthcare in Benin

This hospital, where Lawe received life-saving care, holds a deep-rooted connection with China. Established with support from Chinese aid, it opened its doors in April 1997 and operates as a premier medical institution for the region. Since 1978, the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northwest China has consistently dispatched medical teams to Benin, maintaining an unbroken commitment for nearly five decades. The current batch, which consists of 22 members and includes 18 healthcare professionals, has been actively involved in the treatment of 15,382 patients and performing 2,758 surgeries since arriving in January 2024. Of course, they’ve also gone beyond just treating illnesses—they’ve organized numerous outreach events across the country to provide free consultations and medications.

Empowering Local Healthcare Professionals

Operating in a country with often limited resources and high rates of tropical diseases means the Chinese team frequently faces pressures that most would find formidable. Yang specifically mentioned the overwhelming number of motorcycle-related trauma cases; during particularly busy times, they can see seven or eight severe orthopedic injuries daily. To tackle such challenges head-on, a cooperation agreement forged in 2021 has reinforced ties between the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University and the local Mono and Couffo Departmental Hospital Center. This initiative isn’t just about providing immediate medical assistance—it also prioritizes empowering local healthcare providers through telemedicine consultations and shared expertise.

Creating a Legacy of Medical Excellence

The impact of the Chinese medical team is clear to many in Benin, especially local staff. Head nurse Jacqueline Oussou, who has dedicated her 15-year career to Lokossa, has noted a growing trend: more patients specifically request treatment from the Chinese doctors. “Their dedication and skill levels—especially in surgery, obstetrics, and ophthalmology—are top-notch,” she stated. The advancements are echoed by nurse Elsie Tchenagni from the anesthesia department. “Not only did they bring new equipment, but their patient training made a tremendous difference.” The result? More precision in their medical procedures and a strong collaborative atmosphere despite language hurdles.

A Lasting Legacy of Friendship and Care

These doctors have become much more than just a medical team—they represent a committed partnership in health care, symbolizing a friendship that transcends borders. For 47 years, Chinese doctors have devoted their lives serving in Benin under the principle that “people come first, life comes first.” Their dedication can be felt in every hospital ward, and the stories of lives saved point to a bright, shared hope for a more robust health care system in the future. The continuous support and training they provide leave a legacy of skills that will undoubtedly benefit generations to come, part of an ongoing narrative steeped in humanity, resilience, and mutual respect for health and healing.

In summary, the efforts of the Chinese medical team in Benin embody the spirit of collaboration, mutual learning, and the very essence of healthcare—putting people first. Their ongoing support not only aims to treat immediate health issues but also contributes to a sustainable healthcare environment for the future. This connection between cultures reinforces both the importance of skilled professionals and the restorative power of trust in medical ethics, demonstrating the profound impact of their work over nearly five decades.