The 16th China Medical Team visits the SOS International Children's Village in the Central African Republic earlier June. (Photo by Song Wenhui/for China Daily)
The 16th China Medical Team organized by the Zhejiang provincial health department went to the SOS International Children's Village in the Central African Republic earlier this month. Eighteen Chinese doctors and nurses brought medicine and healthcare supplies to more than 100 orphans living in the village.
In the Central African Republic, children make up a vast section of the country's population, as nearly half of all Central Africans are less than 14 years old. 370,000 of these children are orphans and grow up without one or both parents.
The 16th China Medical Team visits the SOS International Children's Village in the Central African Republic earlier June. (Photo by Song Wenhui/for China Daily)
The SOS Children's Village in Central African Republic is located in the suburbs of the country's capital city Bangui. Founded in 1992, SOS Children's Village currently has 111 orphans from 11 families.
It is reported falciparum malaria is the most common infectious disease transmitted by mosquito bites in the country. Due to limited medical treatment, malaria incidence and mortality in the Central African Republic are extremely high. The Chinese medical team donated 10,000 yuan's ($1,560) worth of artemisinin, a special anti-malarial drug for children, to villages during this visit. The team also promised to follow up on the quality of local children's lives and medical care, and provide long-term help.
Children at the SOS International Children's Village in the Central African Republic. (Photo by Song Wenhui/for China Daily)
Besides materials, Zhang Junli, a doctor from the medical team, gave African girls a physiology class, explaining how they can protect themselves in light of the high prevalence of AIDS and gynecological diseases in the country.
Ophthalmologists Wang Yongsheng and Sun Li showed Chinese tai chi chuan and yoga to the children and taught them some basic movements.
Children at the SOS International Children's Village in the Central African Republic. (Photo by Song Wenhui/for China Daily)
Sun said: "I hope they will continue to practice tai chi chuan and yoga in the future. The purpose is to help them form good habits of living healthily, as well as deepen their understanding of Chinese culture."
Doctors participating in the event said its purpose was not only to send anti-malarial medicines and cultural and sporting goods to the children, but also to help them feel hope for life and love from China.
Children play football at the SOS International Children's Village in the Central African Republic earlier June. (Photo by Song Wenhui/for China Daily)
The event was organized by the Zhejiang provincial health authority and was supported by the Chinese embassy in the Central African Republic.
SOS Children's Villages is an international NGO supporting children and young people by providing day care, education and medical services.
The 16th China Medical Team visits the SOS International Children's Village in the Central African Republic earlier June. (Photo by Song Wenhui/for China Daily)
