Niger and China celebrate fifty years of medical cooperation in Niamey
On March 25, 2026, the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Doctor Colonel-Major Garba Hakimi, presided over a ceremony at the Hôpital Général de Référence (HGR) in Niamey to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Chinese medical team’s presence in Niger. For half a century, successive waves of Chinese healthcare professionals have dedicated their expertise and commitment to serving the Nigerien population.
A legacy of professionalism and solidarity
During the event, Doctor Colonel-Major Garba Hakimi praised the discipline and exceptional skills demonstrated by the Chinese medical personnel. Their collaboration with local teams has significantly expanded the capacity of health facilities and improved healthcare access across the nation. As part of the celebration, the Chinese government donated medicines and medical supplies worth approximately 99,244,000 CFA francs to the HGR. The Minister emphasized that these missions reflect a shared dedication to enhancing living standards and fostering deep bonds of friendship.
The impact of this medical cooperation is evident in various sectors, including direct patient care, the training of healthcare workers, and the introduction of advanced clinical techniques. Thousands of Nigeriens have received high-quality treatment through this partnership. The Minister also paid tribute to the People’s Republic of China as a strategic ally that consistently supports Niger in its health development goals, expressing hope for even greater achievements in the future.
Five decades of impactful healthcare
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Niger, H.E. Lyu Guinjun, recalled that the Guangxi Autonomous Region has deployed nearly 800 highly skilled doctors and nurses to Niger over the last 50 years. Working alongside their Nigerien counterparts, they have treated nearly 1.8 million patients, acting as “ambassadors in white coats.” The diplomat also mentioned that China‘s recent national plans would offer fresh opportunities to deepen health coordination between the two nations.
Du Zhenzong, head of the Guangxi Health Commission delegation, noted that these medical teams serve as vital links in Sino-African friendship. Throughout five decades of collaboration, they have provided services to over 2.3 million people and mentored more than 45,000 health professionals, leaving a lasting mark on Niger‘s healthcare system.
Strengthening the national health system
The Director General of the Hôpital Général de Référence, Daou Mamane, welcomed the significant contributions of the Chinese teams. He stated that the donation of pharmaceuticals constitutes a major boost for the hospital and the wider national health framework. He assured the donors that the supplies would be utilized strictly according to established medical standards for the benefit of the public.
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic exchange of gifts and the signing of a new partnership convention between Niger and China, reaffirming their long-term commitment to medical excellence.
