How-to China: Doctors in Algeria

Q: What challenges are you facing?

Gao: The first is language. We can speak English and some simple French. But as most patients can only speak Arabic, I have to communicate with them by translation software. For those who are nervous about acupuncture, I touch their hands and pat them on the shoulder to help them relax.

I also prepare beverages and candies in the office for those who didn't have breakfast before the therapy. With an empty stomach, blood sugar can drop during the process. Every time they speak or use body language to express "thank you", I can feel it.

The second is COVID-19. Securing our own health and safety is also an important part of our work here. We have to wear protective suits to avoid infection. And to conduct acupuncture in such suit despite moist and stuffy weather is quite challenging. After a long time, I often get a headache, but we have to stick to it.

The third is food. Green, leafy vegetables are rare and expensive, so we figured out a way to plant them on the balcony. After trying many times using red bricks and soil, we succeeded in bringing green leaves to the table. We barely go outside except for work or shopping. I hope the pandemic can end soon, and we can tour the beautiful country.

I miss my family all the time. We cannot return home even during Spring Festival. I often talk to my family through video, but the network is not always stable. They are supporting power to me.