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.
Chinese medical mission in Senegal provides training in traditional Chinese medicine
Chinese medical mission in Senegal provides training in traditional Chinese medicine
Emergency measures are being put in place to help urban areas across China cope with sweltering daytime temperatures as a severe heatwave grips multiple regions of the country, with local community rest stations being set up to shield residents and provide much-needed respite to outdoor workers amid the scorching weather.
Large swathes of the country are baking as the summer heat takes hold. According to the Central Meteorological Observatory of China, eight of the top ten hottest areas nationwide on Wednesday were in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, where Turpan and Toksun both recorded temperatures above 44.5 degrees Celsius.
The intense heat is unlikely to let up anytime soon, as Hami Meteorological Station has issued a red alert and is forecasting that temperatures in Hami City will exceed 40 degrees Celsius from Wednesday to Sunday.
In an effort to combat the heatwave, the local sanitation department has deployed multiple sprinkler and spray trucks to cover major roads in downtown Hami to help with dust suppression and road surface cooling, while upping the frequency of operations.
Persistent high temperatures have also affected many areas in the southwestern Sichuan Province, with some weather stations recording maximum highs exceeding 42 degrees Celsius and weather alerts being issued in numerous cities.
In Guang'an City, the mercury had already soared to 38 degrees Celsius by 10:00 Wednesday morning, pointing to a long, hot day ahead.
However, the county has opened nearly 350 'rest stations' to help local people escape the heat. These air-conditioned cooling points, equipped with fans, drinking water, emergency medicines, and seating, provide much-needed rest areas for outdoor workers such as delivery drivers and couriers, as well as to the elderly and other passersby.
"This round of high temperatures is characterized by its long duration, high temperatures, and the oppressive, muggy conditions, impacting outdoor workers and the elderly the most," said Yu Jilin, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group at the Wusheng County Federation of Trade Unions.
In the neighboring Chongqing Municipality, a red alert for high temperatures was issued on the same day.
At the exit of a busy highway in Wuxi County, heat waves shimmered on the road surface amid heavy traffic. Police officers on duty were busy checking vehicles under the scorching sun, focusing on any potential safety hazards in passenger and freight vehicles, while enduring the sizzling weather themselves.
"The main issue is the high temperature -- surface temperatures can reach over 50 degrees Celsius. Whenever we are on duty, the exhaust from passing fuel-powered vehicles feels scorching hot against our bodies," said Lin Xianyong, an auxiliary police officer.
Air-conditioned "rest stations" set up to provide respite as scorching heatwave grips China
