Namibia-China friendship reaches 35 years with focus on healthcare cooperation

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.