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The Confucius Institute at the University of Botswana (CIUB), in partnership with the Botswana Chinese Enterprise Association, recently hosted a free medical outreach programme at the University of Botswana in collaboration with the 17th China Medical Team in Botswana.

The outreach forms part of activities marking the 45th anniversary of the China Medical Team’s presence in Botswana as well as ongoing China-Africa cultural exchange initiatives. The aim of the programme was to bring professional medical expertise closer to the UB community while promoting health awareness among young people.

Held under the theme “Bringing Medical Knowledge to UB and Promoting Better Health Among Youth,” the outreach combined healthcare services with cultural exchange, reflecting the long-standing cooperation between Botswana and China.

Speaking at the event, leader of the Gaborone-based 17th China Medical Team, Dr Lou Jingying, underscored the importance of health awareness particularly among young people in higher education.

“The university stage is a critical period for young people, who are the driving force behind national development. A healthy body and mindset are essential for personal growth, achieving life aspirations and successfully completing one’s studies,” she said.

Dr Lou encouraged members of the UB community to prioritise their health and make use of professional medical services to support early detection, prevention and treatment of illnesses.

The medical outreach brought together a team of specialists in various fields including internal medicine, surgery, gynaecology, paediatrics, acupuncture, radiology, anaesthesiology and nursing. They provided students and staff with access to professional medical consultation and health advice.

President of the Botswana Chinese Enterprise Association, Mr Jin Hao, described the initiative as a demonstration of the association’s commitment to social responsibility.

“Today’s event reflects how we can connect our skills and resources with the needs of communities while actively contributing to public welfare,” he said. Mr Hao added that the outreach also symbolised the continued friendship between Botswana and China while contributing to improved health and well-being in both societies.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at UB, Professor Pu Durong, noted that the outreach marked a milestone for the institute.

“This is the first free medical outreach conducted by the Confucius Institute at the University of Botswana in collaboration with the Botswana Chinese Enterprise Association on behalf of the 17th China Medical Team,” he said.

Professor Pu explained that while the institute focused primarily on teaching Chinese language and culture, promoting physical health and well-being was equally important for students and the wider University Community. He encouraged members of the UB Community to take advantage of the free medical services offered during the outreach.

He also expressed appreciation to the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Botswana, the 17th China Medical Team, and the Botswana Chinese Enterprise Association for their continued support in making the initiative possible.