Chinese doctor Zhang Junqiao, a devoted anesthesiologist who led the 27th Chinese medical team in Tanzania, gave his life heroically on Father's Day while rescuing a drowning woman.
Zhang's wife and brother brought his ashes back to his hometown Weifang, east China's Shangdong Province on Wednesday.
Inspired by Zhang's heroic deeds, many local residents visited the funeral home to pay their respects.
"This is truly heartbreaking. In the past, we couldn't honor heroes who were far from us. Now that he has returned to Weifang, I feel there's no reason not to pay my respects," said Li, a local resident.
At just 38 years old, he left behind a legacy of compassion and selflessness, a life defined by the unwavering pursuit of saving others.
Zhang lost his life on June 15, Father's Day, while attempting to save the woman off the coast of Dar es Salaam. Witness photos showed him holding her above water and helping her into a life jacket before disappearing beneath the waves due to fatigue. Despite colleagues' efforts to save him, Zhang passed away.
Zhang's selfless act and sudden death triggered an outpouring of grief across Tanzania. Thousands of netizens took to social media to pay tribute.
Last Friday morning, more than 300 people gathered in solemn silence at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, standing side by side to bid farewell to Zhang.
Zhang's final social media post encapsulated his mission: "Serving the people knows no borders. As a Chinese doctor, I am proud to let my Tanzanian colleagues feel the strength of our country and our profession."
"It was simply out of his instinct and kind heart as a medical worker. That's who he was," said Li Linyan, associate chief physician of the anesthesiology department at the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University.
Zhang had been stationed at Muhimbili National Hospital, the country's top referral facility, since early 2024. As a senior anesthesiologist, he quickly adapted to the pressing needs of the hospital, where fewer than 20 anesthesiologists serve a facility operating seven to eight surgical rooms.
Rather than limiting himself to clinical work, Zhang focused on capacity-building.
True to his word, Zhang initiated practical training programs for local medical staff and students. He introduced advanced techniques such as ultrasound-guided nerve blocks using simulation models, a first in local training. Working with the Association of Tanzania Registered Nurse Anesthetists, his sessions were praised for their practical value.
"Being a doctor is my life's work, and I'm determined to excel at it. Whether serving the Chinese people, the Tanzanian people, or anyone worldwide, it makes no difference to me. My ultimate goal is to work as a doctor without borders, providing free treatment to people in difficult and war-torn regions. There's no need to remember me; we are the Chinese Medical Team," Zhang once said.
Colleagues described Zhang as both warm-hearted and competent. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he volunteered for a medical aid mission to Hubei.
In 2020, Zhang began promoting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). He bought relevant training aids on his own to teach local residents first aid techniques on the street.
Zhang also took the lead in launching an initiative and organizing a volunteer team to promote CPR training. By the end of 2023, more than 400 philanthropic activities had been conducted under this initiative.
Zhang's heroic act exemplifies the deep China-Africa friendship and the extraordinary dedication of Chinese medical teams, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday.
"Zhang Junqiao's heroic act exemplifies the deep China-Africa friendship and the extraordinary dedication, commitment, love and fighting spirit of Chinese medical teams. Our thoughts are with Zhang Junqiao's family, and it is absolutely painful to lose a dear and stellar member of Chinese medical teams in Africa," said Guo Jiakun, a Foreign Ministry spokesman.
Chinese doctor remembered for heroic sacrifice in Tanzania
