On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the Hôpital Général de Référence in Niamey hosted a landmark ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Chinese medical team‘s presence in Niger. The event was presided over by the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Colonel-major Garba Hakimi, marking five decades of continuous support, expertise, and dedication from Chinese healthcare professionals to the Nigérien people.
A half-century of medical partnership and support
During the ceremony, Colonel-major Garba Hakimi lauded the exceptional discipline and professionalism exhibited by the Chinese medical missions. Their collaborative efforts with local staff have significantly bolstered the capacity of Niger‘s healthcare facilities and expanded access to vital medical services. As part of the celebration, the Chinese government donated a substantial package of medicines and medical supplies valued at approximately 99,244,000 CFA francs to the Hôpital Général de Référence.
The Minister emphasized that the enduring presence of these missions reflects a mutual commitment to improving public health and deepening the bonds of friendship between the two nations. He highlighted that the impact of this cooperation is evident in several key areas:
- High-quality patient care and specialized treatments.
- Comprehensive training programs for local health workers.
- The successful transfer of advanced medical skills and techniques.
- Introduction of innovative healthcare technologies.
Colonel-major Garba Hakimi further recognized the People’s Republic of China as a vital strategic partner that consistently aligns its support with Niger‘s development goals. He expressed his hope that this fruitful collaboration would continue to thrive and deliver even greater benefits for the population in the future.
Impactful numbers and future prospects
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Niger, H.E. Lyu Guinjun, shared impressive statistics regarding the partnership. Over the last 50 years, the Guangxi Autonomous Region has deployed nearly 800 highly skilled medical professionals to Niger. These “ambassadors in white coats” have treated nearly 1.8 million patients, embodying the spirit of Sino-Nigérien friendship. The Ambassador also noted that China‘s 15th five-year plan will provide fresh avenues for strengthening health coordination between the two countries, aligned with President Xi Jinping‘s vision for a global community of health.
Expanding on these achievements, Du Zhenzong, head of the Guangxi Health Commission delegation, stated that the Chinese teams have reached over 2.3 million people and mentored more than 45,000 healthcare professionals during their tenure. These efforts have laid a sustainable foundation for Niger‘s healthcare system.
Commitment to excellence at the Hôpital Général de Référence
The Director General of the Hôpital Général de Référence, Daou Mamane, welcomed the generous donation, noting its critical importance for both his institution and the wider national health network. He assured the partners that the medical supplies would be managed strictly according to professional standards to maximize their benefit to patients.
The milestone celebration concluded with Colonel-major Garba Hakimi presenting symbolic gifts to the Chinese medical team and the signing of a new partnership convention, reaffirming the long-term health alliance between Niger and China.
