Chinese doctors bring free clinics to Guinea-Bissau schools

BISSAU — As dawn breaks in Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau, rows of students line the corridors of a high school, their eyes bright with anticipation, awaiting the arrival of the Chinese doctors who offer lectures, health checkups and consultations — bringing the gift of healthcare to more than 1,600 young minds.

In February, the 20th batch of the Chinese medical team in Guinea-Bissau, in cooperation with the West African country's ministries of public health and education, established the "Health into Schools" program.

Since the program's launch on May 20, a team of 14 Chinese doctors specializing in more than 10 departments, including pediatrics and cardiology, has conducted free clinics in five schools in Bissau.

"Guinea-Bissau's healthcare system is weak, and the health of its adolescent population deserves greater attention," said Pang Yong, head of the Chinese medical team, at the free clinic site held at Samora Moises Machel High School.

"Most students face challenges during adolescence, including malnutrition, parasitic and skin diseases, as well as limited knowledge about the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases," Pang said.

The main health issues included diarrhea, eye inflammation, malnutrition and skin infections, he said. "These problems are related to factors such as poor local sanitary conditions, heavy dust during the dry season, bacteria breeding easily during the rainy season, and insufficient nutritional intake."

Guinea-Bissau has only a few well-equipped hospitals, most of which are concentrated in the capital. Regional hospitals are underdeveloped, community health centers have low coverage, and there is a severe shortage of medical personnel. Infectious diseases such as malaria and parasitic diseases are the main health threats facing locals.

Orthopedic surgeon Guo Qiang, a team member, offered consultations and participated in health education sessions during the free clinic. Although the country's medical infrastructure remains rudimentary, he was deeply impressed by the children's enthusiasm and urgent need for medical care.

"I once treated a 3-year-old patient whose left thumb had become severely infected after an injury and was at risk of amputation. When the family was nearly desperate, they contacted me overnight via social media. After treatment, the child's thumb was ultimately saved," Guo said.

The trust and gratitude in the little boy's and his family's eyes deepened his understanding of what "Health into Schools" truly means, he said.

Maria Ines Djassi, 16, had long suffered from abdominal pain and diarrhea, but the long distance to healthcare facilities and the high cost of care had prevented her from receiving effective treatment.

At the site, Chinese doctors carefully assessed her condition, imparted awareness on diarrhea prevention and offered her free medication.

"I'm truly grateful to the Chinese doctors; their visit means a lot to us," Maria said.

Mamadu Lamarana, principal of Samora Moises Machel High School, commended Chinese doctors as "very professional and patient".

"They not only gave our students checkups, but also shared some really helpful medical knowledge.

"Many of our students don't usually have easy access to healthcare, so getting treatment right here at school is a rare and valuable opportunity."

Xinhua