How-to China: Doctors in Algeria

Q: What has impressed you most so far?

Gao: I remember a woman with facial paralysis who told me that she felt much better after two weeks of treatment. One morning, the woman, the only patient who can speak English in the consulting room, suddenly said all other patients wanted her to say thank you to me for them.

I also expressed my happy feelings. There were many such warm moments. It is really difficult to see a doctor here, but patients have full trust.

Q: How do you view the significance of working here?

Gao: I did feel worried and afraid before going to Algeria because of the virus, and had learned from colleagues about the difficulties of working in Africa. But as a Wuhan local, I saw how helpers from around the world came to assist when the city was hit hardest, and as a medical worker, it's time for me to help people in need.

It has been over 50 years since China sent its first medical team to the country. Now with the risk of the coronavirus, conditions are more complicated. We came here not only to help Algerians with our profession but also to practice China's commitment as a responsible big country. I also want to contribute to the enhancing friendship between the two countries and to building a shared future for China and Africa.

Besides regular work, we have donated medical equipment and protective necessities to two public hospitals. We also organized acupuncture training classes for Algerian medical workers, and popularized health knowledge. I hope to solve real medical problems for them, and expand our cooperation.