BISSAU — As the sun rises over Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau, students gather in neat lines along the hallways of local schools. Their faces show excitement as they wait for the arrival of Chinese doctors providing free medical care and health education. The outreach program is bringing vital healthcare services to more than 1,600 students across the city.
In February, the 20th Chinese medical team working in Guinea-Bissau launched a new initiative called “Health into Schools,” in partnership with the country’s ministries of public health and education. Since the program began on May 20, 14 Chinese doctors specializing in more than 10 fields — including pediatrics and cardiology — have visited five schools in Bissau to provide checkups, consultations, and health guidance.
“The healthcare system here is fragile, and more attention should be given to the health of teenagers,” said Pang Yong, head of the Chinese medical team, during a free clinic at Samora Moises Machel High School. He explained that many adolescents suffer from malnutrition, parasitic infections, skin diseases, and limited knowledge of how to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Pang said the doctors had treated many students for diarrhea, eye infections, skin problems, and signs of malnutrition. These issues, he noted, are often caused by poor hygiene, dust during the dry season, bacteria in the rainy season, and lack of nutrients.
Guinea-Bissau’s medical infrastructure remains underdeveloped. Well-equipped hospitals are rare and mostly located in the capital. Regional hospitals are poorly maintained, and community health centers have low coverage. There is also a critical shortage of trained doctors. Diseases like malaria and parasites continue to threaten public health across the country.
Guo Qiang, an orthopedic surgeon on the team, helped with medical consultations and gave health education talks. He said he was moved by the students’ eagerness and the serious need for medical help. He recalled treating a three-year-old child whose thumb was badly infected after an injury. The family reached out to him urgently through social media, fearing the thumb might need to be amputated. After treatment, the infection was controlled, and the child’s thumb was saved.
“The trust and gratitude I saw in the eyes of that little boy and his family helped me truly understand what this program means,” Guo said.
Maria Ines Djassi, 16, had been suffering from stomach pain and diarrhea for a long time. She had not been able to get treatment due to the high cost and the long distance to clinics. At the school site, Chinese doctors gave her a full checkup, explained how to prevent diarrhea, and provided free medication.
“I’m truly grateful to the Chinese doctors,” Maria said. “Their visit means a lot to us.”
Mamadu Lamarana, principal of Samora Moises Machel High School, praised the team for their professionalism and kindness. “They not only treated our students, but also gave them valuable medical knowledge,” he said. “Many of our students rarely get a chance to see a doctor, so having medical care right at school is a special opportunity.”
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