On 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, Physician Colonel-Major Garba Hakimi, marking five decades of continuous support, expertise, and commitment from Chinese health professionals to the Nigerien people.
A legacy of professional excellence and support
During the ceremony, Physician Colonel-Major Garba Hakimi expressed his high regard for the discipline and professionalism demonstrated by the Chinese medical missions. Their collaboration with local teams has significantly bolstered the capacity of healthcare facilities and expanded medical access across the country. As part of the festivities, the Chinese government donated essential medicines and medical supplies valued at approximately 99,244,000 francs to the HGR.
The Minister emphasized that the ongoing presence of these missions is a testament to the mutual dedication of both nations to enhancing living conditions and fostering deep-rooted friendship. This partnership has yielded tangible results in clinical care, the training of healthcare staff, the transfer of technical skills, and the implementation of innovative medical procedures, benefiting thousands of patients.
Strategic partnership for health development
Physician Colonel-Major Garba Hakimi paid tribute to the People’s Republic of China, describing it as a vital strategic partner that has consistently supported Niger in its healthcare priorities. He voiced his hope that this cooperation would continue to flourish and deliver even more impactful results for the population in the future.
The Chinese Ambassador to Niger, H.E. Lyu Guinjun, provided historical context, noting that the Guangxi Autonomous Region has deployed nearly 800 highly skilled medical professionals to Niger over the last half-century. Working alongside their Nigerien counterparts, these “ambassadors in white coats” have treated nearly 1.8 million local patients. The Ambassador also highlighted President Xi Jinping’s vision of a global community of health and noted that China’s 15th five-year plan would create new avenues for healthcare coordination between the two countries.
Impact by the numbers
Du Zhenzong, head of the Guangxi Health Commission delegation, shared impressive statistics regarding the long-term impact of this mission:
- Over 2.3 million people have received medical services.
- More than 45,000 health professionals have been trained and mentored.
- Fifty years of continuous health system development and friendship.
The Director General of the Hôpital Général de Référence, Daou Mamane, welcomed the delegation and acknowledged the significant contribution of the Chinese teams to Niger‘s health system. He assured the donors that the provided medical supplies would be utilized strictly according to established standards to benefit the public.
The celebration concluded with a symbolic exchange of gifts led by Minister Garba Hakimi and the formal signing of a new partnership agreement, reinforcing the medical bond between Niger and China.
