Ever wondered what it takes for two major developing nations to join forces on healthcare? 🤔 Over the past few decades, a strong friendship has grown between the Chinese mainland and South Africa, built on medical aid, pandemic teamwork and a shared passion for traditional healing. 🌍❤️
Since the 1970s, teams of doctors, nurses and public-health experts from the Chinese mainland have been working side by side with South Africa’s communities. From offering maternal and child healthcare to teaching disease prevention in rural areas, these crews bring clinical services and community outreach—often introducing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) alongside local practices. 🩺🌱
Just this year, the collaboration hit a new high: at the Chinese embassy in Pretoria, the Chinese mainland’s Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund pledged $3.49 million over two years to support South Africa’s fight against HIV/AIDS. With nearly 8 million people living with HIV and about 6 million on antiretroviral therapy, the fresh funding arrives when global budgets are shrinking, especially for youth-focused prevention. 💉💪
TCM has also taken root in South Africa’s health system since it became officially covered by medical insurance in 2011. Today, several joint TCM centers do more than treat patients—they train local talent, run research projects and host cultural exhibitions that celebrate the connections between Chinese and African healing traditions. 🧪🤝
All eyes are now on Africa as it gets ready to host its first G20 Summit this year. 🌐 This milestone highlights the continent’s growing voice in global health debates. The long-standing partnership between the Chinese mainland and South Africa shows how Global South cooperation can build stronger, more resilient health systems—and save lives along the way. 🌟
Stay tuned as this powerful alliance continues to shape the future of healthcare in Africa and beyond. 🚀
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
