On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Colonel-major Garba Hakimi, led a commemorative ceremony at the Hôpital Général de Référence in Niamey to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Chinese medical team’s mission in Niger. For half a century, successive groups of Chinese health professionals have brought their specialized skills and dedication to support the Nigerien people.
During his address, Colonel-major Garba Hakimi commended the exceptional discipline and expertise demonstrated by the Chinese medical staff. Their collaboration with local teams has significantly bolstered the capacity of healthcare facilities and expanded access to essential medical services across the country. The event also marked the official handover of a donation from the Chinese government worth approximately 99,244,000 CFA francs, consisting of vital medicines and medical consumables for the Hôpital Général de Référence. According to the Minister, the enduring presence of these missions reflects a mutual commitment to improving living standards and fostering deep bonds of solidarity.
A partnership focused on training and innovation
The health official highlighted that the influence of this cooperation is evident in several key areas, including direct patient care, the specialized training of health personnel, and the introduction of cutting-edge medical technologies. Thousands of citizens have received high-quality treatment through this initiative. Minister Garba Hakimi paid tribute to the People’s Republic of China as a long-term strategic partner that has consistently aligned its support with Niger’s national health priorities, expressing a desire for this collaboration to reach even greater milestones in the future.
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Niger, S.E. Lyu Guinjun, recalled that over the last five decades, the Guangxi Autonomous Region has deployed nearly 800 highly skilled doctors and nurses to Niger. Working alongside their Nigerien counterparts, these professionals have treated nearly 1.8 million patients, acting as “ambassadors in white coats” for bilateral friendship. The diplomat also mentioned that President Xi Jinping’s vision for a global community of health continues to guide these efforts, with China’s 15th five-year plan set to create new avenues for healthcare coordination between the two nations.
Impact on the national health system
Du Zhenzong, leading the delegation from the Guangxi Health Commission, noted that these medical teams serve as vital links in Sino-African relations. Over 50 years, they have provided medical services to more than 2.3 million people and mentored over 45,000 health professionals in Niger. This sustained effort has left a lasting legacy, contributing to the structural development of the country’s health system and the overall well-being of the population.
The Director General of the Hôpital Général de Référence in Niamey, Daou Mamane, welcomed the continued support, noting that the donation of pharmaceuticals is a major boost for both his institution and the wider Nigerien health network. He assured the donors that the supplies would be utilized in strict accordance with professional standards to benefit the public.
The ceremony concluded with Minister Garba Hakimi presenting symbolic gifts to the Chinese team and the signing of a formal partnership convention, further strengthening the ties between Niger and China.
