At the Hôpital Général de Référence in Niamey, the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Doctor Colonel-Major Garba Hakimi, presided over a ceremony on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Chinese medical team’s presence in Niger. For five decades, these medical missions have continuously served on Nigerien soil, providing their technical expertise and dedication to the local population.
Doctor Colonel-Major Garba Hakimi commended the discipline, commitment, and high level of professionalism displayed by the Chinese medical staff. Their integration into the national healthcare system has strengthened the capacity of local facilities and improved medical access for citizens. During the event, the Chinese government presented a donation of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals worth approximately 99,244,000 francs to the HGR. The Minister emphasized that the continued presence of these missions illustrates a mutual desire to improve living conditions and solidify the bonds of solidarity between the two nations.
The Health Minister further noted that the impact of this medical cooperation is evident across multiple areas, including direct patient treatment, professional training for local staff, the transfer of specialized skills, and the implementation of modern medical practices. Thousands of individuals have benefited from these high-quality services. He paid tribute to the People’s Republic of China, describing it as a historical and strategic partner that has always supported Niger’s healthcare development priorities. He expressed his hope that this collaboration will continue to flourish and deliver even more significant benefits for the population in the future.
Earlier in the proceedings, H.E. Lyu Guinjun, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Niger, pointed out that for fifty years, the Guangxi Autonomous Region has selected and sent nearly 800 elite doctors and nurses to work in Niger. Working alongside their Nigerien counterparts, these “ambassadors in white” have treated nearly 1.8 million patients. The diplomat also highlighted President Xi Jinping’s vision for a global community of health, noting that China’s 15th five-year plan will offer fresh opportunities to deepen health coordination between the two countries.
Adding to this, Du Zhenzong, head of the Guangxi Autonomous Region Health Commission delegation, stated that history shows Chinese medical teams are more than just caregivers; they are messengers of Sino-African friendship. Throughout fifty years of partnership, they have provided care to over 2.3 million people and trained upwards of 45,000 health professionals, contributing significantly to the long-term development of Niger’s health system.
The Director General of the Hôpital Général de Référence, Daou Mamane, expressed his gratitude for the remarkable contributions of the Chinese teams over the last half-century. He noted that the donation of medicines provides vital support for his institution and the broader national health network. He assured the donors that the supplies would be utilized strictly according to established standards to serve the public interest.
To conclude the ceremony, Minister Garba Hakimi presented symbolic gifts to the Chinese medical team and signed a new partnership convention between Niger and China.