Addis Ababa, September 21, 2024 (FBC) – The collaboration between Ethiopia and China in the healthcare sector has a storied history, spanning over five decades. Since 1974, China has dispatched medical missions to Ethiopia, with the current 24th batch of skilled professionals now providing comprehensive healthcare services across various institutions in the country.
China was the first nation to respond to Ethiopia’s urgent health needs by sending a medical team and supplies during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This ongoing partnership is gaining momentum, as China continues to support Ethiopia’s health sector advancements. The Defense Specialized Referral Hospital, equipped with Chinese donations of medical supplies and staffed by trained personnel, exemplifies the strengthening ties between the two countries in healthcare.
In addition to government collaborations, private Chinese medical firms are also playing a critical role in enhancing health service cooperation, particularly through knowledge sharing, technology tranfer and free community healthcare initiatives.
The Addis Ababa Silk Road General Hospital, the first Chinese private medical facility in Ethiopia, is leading the charge in providing modern healthcare services, and engaging in complimentary community services. A testament to this initiative is Dawit Belete, a teenager from Shashemene City, who faced severe health complications due to a Posterior Fossa Tumor.
Dawit found hope at the Silk Road Hospital. His father, Belete Gobena, remembered the moment they came to the center. He recalled the comfort they received from the hospital’s staff, which he said bolstered their hopes for healing.
Five year ago, at age of 12, Dawit underwent a nine-hour complex surgery performed by a team that included local and international experts, headed by Ethiopian neurosurgeon Professor Hagos Biluts.
Over the years, Dawit received extensive treatments — craniectomy, tumor removal, radiation, and chemotherapy — all at no cost, according to Professor Hagos.
Now, at 18, he shares, “I feel better. I can speak, walk, and manage on my own.” His father also expressed profound gratitude for the hospital’s support, stating they could not have afforded such care otherwise.
On Friday, Dawit and Dr. Jianhua Wang, CEO of Silk Road Hospital, formalized an agreement ensuring ongoing free medical care and follow-ups until Dawit’s complete recovery.
Since its establishment in November 2019, the hospital, featuring advanced technology and a specialized team of 200 professionals from 16 countries, has been a forerunner in transforming health services in Ethiopia, the CEO, Dr. Jianhua Wang said.
Professor Hagos highlighted the hospital’s role in advancing healthcare system by sharing knowledge and skills with local practitioners and familiarizing them with modern technologies.
He believes the hospital is contributing to Ethiopia’s goal of becoming a medical tourism hub in the region.
The Silk Road Hospital has been active in providing free healthcare services to the community since its establishment. Last year, to celebrate its fourth anniversary, it offered complimentary medical services to around 300 locals and donated vital supplies to Arba Minch General Hospital, the CEO added.
He also announced preparations to extend free treatments to hundreds of children with cardiovascular diseases and women with cervical health issues, with surgical operations for selected ones with critical status.
Dr. Jianhua emphasized the commitment of the hospital to enhancing cooperation with Ethiopian health institutions and promoting the transfer of skills and technology that would help transform the health care system in Ethiopia.
He also announced that the hospital will bring 28 renowned Chinese specialists to Ethiopia next year to provide critical care to patients in need in various parts of the country.
The CEO pledged to continue hospital’s readiness to continue delivering free healthcare and humanitarian support to people in need for deeper Ethiopia-China collaboration in the health sector.