Tanzania and China have renewed their long-standing collaboration in the health sector, following the departure of China’s 27th Medical Expert Team and the official arrival of the 28th team in the country.
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Dar es Salaam on April 8, 2026, on behalf of the Health Minister, Permanent Secretary Dr. Seif Shekalaghe praised China’s continued support.
He noted that Tanzanian health professionals trained in China have played a key role in improving healthcare delivery across the country.
Dr. Shekalaghe lauded the outgoing 27th team for saving lives and strengthening local expertise, while welcoming the new team with optimism.
Representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Director of the Asia and Australasia Department, Ms. Felista Rugambwa, highlighted China’s support since 1968, saying the partnership has grown from medical services to include infrastructure development and professional capacity building for Tanzanian health workers.
“This collaboration is a strong testament to our enduring friendship and shared commitment to improving health services,” she said.
China’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian, said the 28th team brings specialists in cardiology, pediatrics, and orthopedics who will enhance medical care and comfort for Tanzanians.
He highlighted the partnership’s achievements, including the establishment of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute and a 70% reduction in trachoma and malaria in pilot areas.
The Ministry of Health’s Director of Clinical Services, Hamad Nyembea, said the team transition strengthens people-to-people ties between Tanzania and China.
On behalf of his colleagues, Dr. Zhang Kai revealed that the outgoing team treated around 20,000 patients, describing their work as “building bridges of friendship.”
Attendees observed a minute of silence in memory of Dr. Zhang Junqiao, a member of the 27th team who died in June 2025 while saving a woman from drowning.
