What You Need to Know
Lesotho has welcomed the 20th batch of the Chinese Medical Team, strengthening healthcare cooperation between the two nations. The event also bid farewell to the 19th team, which significantly impacted the local health sector. Both teams have fostered collaboration and unity, enhancing the well-being of the Basotho people through various medical initiatives.
Africa-Press – Lesotho. In strengthening the bilateral relations in health, the government of Lesotho and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China welcomed the 20th batch of the Chinese Medical Team.
The event which concurrently bid farewell to the 19th batch which has been in the country since March last year was held at the Embassy in the presence of Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr. Matjato Moteane as acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Principal Secretary Mr. Thabang Lekhela.
In his keynote address, Mr. Moteane said they gathered to bid farewell to the team whose commitment, compassion and tireless dedication have left an indelible mark on Lesotho’s health sector.
“As we stand here to celebrate the remarkable tenure of the 19th batch of the Chinese Medical Team, we are reminded of the challenges faced, the milestones achieved and the lives touched under their steadfast leadership”, he said.
He said the Chinese Medical Team has not just been a steward of the country’s healthcare system but also an advocate for equity, innovation and progress.
He said their unwavering vision has brought hope to many and has a legacy that will continue to inspire long after their departure from Lesotho.
He said reflecting on this chapter of service, he expresses deepest gratitude and wishes the august team nothing but success in their journey ahead and also welcomes the 20th team that has arrived.
“This team has been an invaluable asset to the healthcare system, since joining about a year ago, they have integrated effortlessly with the local doctors, fostering collaboration and unity,” he said.
He highlighted that their contribution has been immensely impactful during their time at Maseru District hospital, they provided exceptional care and support.
He said the health facilities have greatly benefited from their dedication and expertise, leaving a lasting impression on both patients and colleagues alike.
On the other hand, Chinese Ambassador Mr. Yang Xiaokun expressed sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations and Basotho at large for their support to the medical cooperation between their two countries.
“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the 19th medical team and its members. Your efforts and dedication will remain in the land of Lesotho. I warmly welcome the 20th team and its members. I am sure you will make your contributions to the health and well-being of Basotho people with your expertise and professionalism,” he said.
He urged both teams to remember the spirit of Chinese medical teams, which is ‘fearlessness of hardship, willingness to sacrifice, devotion to patients, and boundless love’ which he said is the spirit they have practiced for the past year and will practice for the coming year, and the rest of their career.
He said this year’s rotation of medical team, carries special significance as this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Africa saying to commemorate this important milestone, China and Africa have jointly designated this year (2026) as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
He mentioned that in February, the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges was officially launched in Lesotho, saying therefore that medical and health-care services are closely linked to the fundamental well-being of Basotho.
Moreover, Ambassador Yang indicated that cooperation in this field is an essential component of people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, emphasising that taking the Year as an opportunity, China stands ready to further deepen medical cooperation with Lesotho, bringing more advanced medical technologies, training more health-care professionals and making even greater contributions to the health and dignity of the Basotho nation.
On one hand, he mentioned that they are advancing the Paired Hospital Cooperation Mechanism Project, saying this project aims to establish an intensive care unit (ICU) at the China-aided Maseru District Hospital, which is expected to strengthen the development of intensive care services and enhance the capacity for diagnosing and treating critical diseases in Lesotho.
He said this project is designed to meet Lesotho’s urgent needs saying last month (March), Wuhan No.1 Hospital dispatched four experts to the Maseru District Hospital to conduct ICU training highlighting that in the next phase, ICU doctors and nurses from Lesotho will also be sent to China for further professional training.
“We have actively supported Lesotho in combating HIV/AIDS and in improving the well-being and dignity of women, especially girls. The project “Eliminating the Triple Threat in Girls and Young Women in Lesotho,” jointly implemented with UNAIDS, is set to be launched this month, which China has offered over 2 million US dollars to the project.
He explained that this project aims to prevent new HIV infections, reduce gender-based violence (GBV), and address early and unintended pregnancies (EUP) in Mokhotlong District. “This will be achieved through strengthening the capacity of the health system, enhancing community-led responses, delivering people-centered services and ensuring the provision of essential commodities, equipment and infrastructure. With over 20,400 expected beneficiaries, I sincerely hope this project will bring tangible benefits to local communities,” he said.
He further indicated that at a time when conflicts continue to rage in the Middle East, civilians are displaced and the global economy faces mounting challenges, China has once again injected much-needed certainty and stability into the world by presenting a concrete blueprint and a clear vision for its national development. “At a time of growing uncertainty, China not only focuses on its own development but is also ready to make even greater contributions to the world, guided by the belief of leaving no one behind.”
Furthermore, Ambassador Yang highlighted that the diligent work of the 19th Chinese medical team, together with the arrival of the 20th, is a vivid testament to their commitments. Therefore he wished the 19th medical team a safe journey back home expressing hope that the 20th team will start their work in a very prompt manner.
He assured the incoming team that together with the Basotho nation, they will ensure that the tree of China–Lesotho friendship grows more thriving and vibrant through mutual support and that the China–Africa community with a shared future continues to move forward steadily through solidarity and collaboration.
Meanwhile in 1996, governments of China and Lesotho signed the Protocol on the Dispatch of Chinese Medical Teams to Lesotho. The following year, which is 1997,China sent the first medical team to Lesotho. Over the past 28 years, China has sent 19 medical teams to Lesotho, totaling 198 doctors, nurses and supporting staff.
They offer specialties that supplement the Ministry of Health’s work force in various disciplines including Gynecology and Obstetrics, General Surgery, Orthopedic surgery, Physiotherapy, Radiology, Physician, Anesthesiology as well as interpreters with a medical background.
In 1996, China and Lesotho formalized their partnership with the signing of the Protocol on the Dispatch of Chinese Medical Teams. The first team arrived in 1997, marking the beginning of a long-standing collaboration that has seen 19 teams sent to Lesotho over 28 years. These teams have provided essential medical services across various specialties, significantly contributing to the local healthcare system and addressing critical health challenges faced by the Basotho population. The ongoing cooperation highlights the importance of international partnerships in enhancing health outcomes.
