Chinese medical mission in Senegal provides training in traditional Chinese medicine

China

Chinese medical mission in Senegal provides training in traditional Chinese medicine

2025-05-18 17:39 Last Updated At：20:07

The 20th Chinese Medical Mission to Senegal conducted an academic exchange on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and a training course for Senegalese participants at Fann Hospital in Dakar, the Senegalese capital, on Friday.

The Chinese Medical Mission partnered with the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Dakar and Fann Hospital to address the local shortage of medical resources. It is part of the Chinese efforts to implement the spirit of the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation regarding foreign medical aid.

"Today, we are launching this TCM training program to share Chinese medical culture and practical TCM techniques with our Senegalese counterparts. The goal is to help more Senegalese people understand and use traditional Chinese medicine," said Yang Yiguo, head of the 20th Chinese Medical Mission to Senegal.

According to the project, the medical mission will offer three three-hour academic sessions on May 16, 23, and 30. This training is intended for approximately 30 rehabilitation students from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Dakar, rehabilitation physicians, and technicians.

The courses combine theory and practice, covering TCM culture, basic theories, acupuncture point therapy, moxibustion, cupping therapy, and Baduanjin (a traditional Chinese aerobic exercise). This training has received a positive response from local doctors and patients.

"I think this partnership helps diversify the care offered to our patients, and therefore the treatment options," said Ngor Side Diagne, head of the Rehabilitation and Intensive Care Department under Fann Hospital.

"I came for a consultation about headaches. Usually, I treat myself with conventional medicine. But today, I tried traditional Chinese medicine and I find it very relaxing and soothing," said Awa Diop, a Senegalese patient.

It was in 1975 that Fujian Province in southwest China sent its first medical mission to Senegal. Chinese medical missions have been operating in Senegal for half a century. They have thus become an essential symbol of Chinese-Senegalese friendship.

To date, China has mobilized 20 medical missions and more than 300 healthcare professionals to Senegal, providing healthcare services to more than 3.5 million patients.

Japanese rally against government's missile deployment

Dozens of protesters in Japan's Shizuoka Prefecture rallied in front of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force's Camp Fuji on Tuesday to condemn the government's deployment of new missiles at the base.

Japan's Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that a Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP) for island defense had been deployed at Camp Fuji, and Camp Kengun in Kumamoto Prefecture had been equipped with a ground-launched version of the upgraded Type 12 land-to-ship guided missile.

This marks the first time that long-range missiles with counterstrike capabilities have been brought into service in Japan and marks a significant shift from the country's long-standing exclusively defense-oriented policy under its war-renouncing Constitution.

Protesters have expressed concern that the deployment could turn the area into a potential military target and have repeatedly called on the defense ministry to hold public briefings, which have yet to take place.

"As local residents, we cannot remain silent. We must speak out to reassure our residents and ensure their safety. This time, they are deploying a Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile, but this will continue. After Camp Kengun and Camp Fuji, they will deploy more throughout the country. We cannot ignore this. We must voice our opposition," said Hiroyuki Takahata, a protester.

"As mentioned in the latest appeal, the government disregards the Constitution in this missile deployment. It should focus on its primary duty of protecting people's lives and well-being," said another protester.

The local civic group Stop Missiles at Fuji Association has also submitted a petition to the Japanese military, demanding that the Japanese government stop deploying missiles at Camp Fuji and re-examine its security policies.

"Missiles have been transported to Kumamoto and also deployed here, without any explanation. This is tantamount to deceiving us. We are extremely angry," said Hiromi Yamazaki, a representative of the organization.

"Since Sanae Takaichi took office, we have seen that Japan is heading toward a situation where it could start a war, so we must speak out. We don't want the younger generation to bear that kind of future. This is our wish," said Michiko Takahata, another protester.