Chinese Medics Treat Patients, Empower Locals in Benin

• Chinese medics in Benin save lives and empower locals.
• Surgeon Yang Ping leads lifesaving procedures in Lokossa Hospital.
• Cooperation between China and Benin strengthens medical care delivery.
• Over 15,000 patients treated by the Chinese medical team.
• Local healthcare professionals gain new skills and equipment support.
• Longstanding friendship established through dedicated healthcare efforts.

Chinese medical team transforms lives in Benin hospitals

An inspiring scene unfolded at the Mono and Couffo Departmental Hospital Center in Lokossa, Benin, on July 14, 2025, as Yang Ping, a dedicated surgeon and the leader of the 27th batch of the Chinese medical team, witnessed a remarkable turnaround in a critically ill patient. Beatrice Lawe, a 45-year-old woman, had recently undergone surgery for peritonitis and appendicitis, but complications had thrown her back into the fray of critical care. Yang described the tense moment of her initial evaluation, stating, “Based on clinical experience, the odds of her survival were almost nil.” It was this sobering reality that underscored the team’s commitment to saving lives against all odds.

Building trust through dedicated healthcare efforts

What followed was nothing short of a medical miracle. With steadfast support from her family, Yang and her team refused to give up, continuing with emergency procedures despite the daunting odds. After two weeks filled with anxious moments, Lawe regained consciousness, displaying signs of recovery that would eventually allow her to be discharged in good health. Six months later, she underwent a second operation to reverse her colostomy and to reconstruct her digestive tract, successfully returning to her daily life with renewed vigor. This achievement not only showcased the team’s medical prowess but also highlighted the deep level of trust and friendship that has blossomed between the Chinese medical professionals and the Beninese patients they serve.

Impact of cooperation on local healthcare practices

Since 1978, a consistent line of Chinese medical teams has made their way to Benin, with the current 27th batch starting their mission in January 2024. Comprising 22 members, including 18 medical professionals, they have been actively stationed in Lokossa and Natitingou. In a nation grappling with limited healthcare resources, the Chinese team has treated an impressive 15,382 patients, performed 2,758 surgeries, and made 26 visits across Benin to provide free medical consultations and treatments. Yang Ping noted the particular challenges faced in their line of work, especially concerning the high incidence of motorcycle-related trauma cases, which often sees the team handling several severe orthopedic injuries daily. In response to these challenges, the cooperation agreement signed between China and Benin in 2021 has allowed the medical teams to provide not only essential healthcare but also skills training and telemedicine consultations to local staff.

The robust partnership between the Chinese medical team and the Beninese healthcare system continues to yield remarkable outcomes. With more than 47 years of collaborative efforts, the commitment of these medical professionals to prioritize patient care has become a vital part of local healthcare. Their dedication to healing, along with their focus on empowering local medical teams, is ensuring that a legacy of trust and resilience thrives in Benin’s healthcare landscape.