China to send 14th medical team to Botswana

Chinese Ambassador to Botswana Zheng Zhuqiang (L) shakes hands with Botswana's Health Minister Dorcas Makgato during the signing ceremony of agreement of sending the 14th China medical team to Botswana, in Gaborone, capital of the country, on Feb. 13, 2015. China and Botswana on Friday signed an agreement on China's sending the 14th medical team with 46 members, including 30 doctors, 10 nurses and 6 staff, to Botswana. (Xinhua/Huang Kai)

The governments of China and Botswana on Friday signed an agreement of sending the 14th Chinese medical team to Botswana.

Chinese Ambassador to Botswana Zheng Zhuqiang and Botswana's Minister of Health Dorcas Makgato-Malesu signed the agreement in Gaborone, capital of Botswana.

According to the agreement, the 14th medical team will have 46 members including 30 doctors, 10 nurses and 6 staff.

Makgato-Malesu thanked Chinese government's assistance in Botswana's health development since the first medical team was sent in 1981.

She said because of China's support, Botswana has seen great development in providing health services to locals.

Besides sending professional medical members, Chinese government also donated health equipment and gave supports on human resources training.

Zheng Zhuqiang said health area has long been one of the top priorities in China's assistance to Botswana. Alongside sending medical teams, China is also exploring possibility of sending short-term medical experts to Botswana. and China is willing to join hands with Botswana to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various areas including health sector.

The first Chinese medical team started work in Botswana in 1981 with 13 members, while the number has increased to the current 46. Up to now 13 Chinese medical teams and 373 team members have served in Botswana.