Narrative
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Project narrative
On August 26, 2019, the 18th medical team arrived in Senegal. Ambassador Zhang Xun, Deputy Director of China Fujian Provincial Health Commission Chen Houluan, members of the 17th and 18th batch of China's aid to Senegal medical team, as well as representatives of the Minister of Health and Social Action of Senegal, Director of the Department of Medical Administration Sheila, and Dean of Pikine Hospital Gai Yee, Kaye, Dean of the Women's and Children's Hospital and other Senegalese medical and health professionals, and Chinese and Senegalese media attended the event. China has been sending medical teams to Senegal since 1975. China stopped sending medical teams for 10 years (after Senegal severed diplomatic ties with it) but then dispatched the 12th medical team in 2007 after Senegal re-established diplomatic ties with China. All of the Chinese medical teams that have been dispatched to Senegal are from Fujian Province. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the 18th medical team made recommendations for quarantine procedures such as the screening and control of COVID-19 patients in Pikine National Hospital. The medical team shared their anti-epidemic experience and proposed strengthening the pre-examination and triage of outpatient clinics and setting up well-ventilated clinics. The medical team also assisted the Chinese Embassy in Senegal to guide Chinese-funded institutions and overseas Chinese in Senegal to protect themselves and reduce the risk of infection. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese medical mission has been carrying out their daily routine consultations for Senegalese patients. During their 2 year work, they treated 142,925 patients in five different locations across the country, and donated necessary materials to local hospitals. On November 3, 2021, they were awarded the National Order of Senegal after concluded their mission there. Then, they left the country and went back to China (according to Fujian government).