"The light in the children's eyes when they received the stationery made all our fatigue disappear." On March 21, as the morning sun gently shone over Matora City, Dr. Yang Dan, a member of the 24th Chinese Medical Team to Mozambique and a physician at our hospital, joined her teammates as they walked into the AACOSIDA Orphanage. A heartwarming voluntary consultation and donation event, driven by love and supported by professional expertise, unfolded amidst laughter and joy. As a key member sent by our hospital for the aid mission to Mozambique, she and her teammates used their dedication and commitment to convey the warmth and sense of responsibility of Chinese medical professionals to every African child in need, allowing the seeds of China-Mozambique friendship to quietly grow through their concrete actions.
The preparation for this event was close to Dr. Yang Dan's heart. Upon learning that the more than 80 orphans at the facility mostly lacked basic necessities and professional health check-ups, the team members took the initiative to raise funds from their own pockets. They used their time off to navigate the local markets, carefully selecting urgently needed items such as rice, eggs, notebooks, and pencils for the children. "Every item must be chosen with care. The children are at an age where they are growing and learning, so we cannot afford to be careless," Dr. Yang said softly while organizing the donated goods. Packing, sorting, and moving—her actions were practiced and meticulous. Amidst the pile of supplies, she busied herself tirelessly to ensure the children could promptly receive this warmth from China, providing a small measure of support for their daily lives and studies.
During the free consultation segment, Dr. Yang fully utilized her professional expertise, becoming a "health guardian" for the children. She patiently conducted basic health check-ups for each child, carefully inquiring about their daily diets and sleep patterns to promptly identify potential health issues. "Remember to wash your hands often, especially before meals and after using the toilet. That way, you can stay away from germs," she would say. Between check-ups, leveraging her knowledge of local children's health characteristics, she used simple language and vivid gestures to educate the children and orphanage staff on hygiene practices such as handwashing, oral care, and the prevention of common infectious diseases. She repeatedly demonstrated the correct handwashing technique, gently correcting poor hygiene habits, using her professionalism and patience to build a solid defense for the children's healthy development.
Where there is warmth from medical professionals, friendship knows no borders. After the consultation, Dr. Yang transformed into a "big friend," joining the children in fun recreational activities like jump rope, beanbag tossing, and shuttlecock kicking. Under the sunlight, she held the children's hands, jumped rope to the rhythm, played chase, and patiently taught them how to kick the shuttlecock. The children's clear, cheerful laughter echoed through every corner of the orphanage. "Though we don't share a language, smiles are the best form of communication," Dr. Yang said with a smile. Seeing the pure joy on the children's faces, she deeply felt that international aid is not just about the transfer of medical skills, but also a blending of compassion and friendship. At that moment, language barriers were broken down by warmth, and differences in skin color dissolved through kindness. The team members and the children grew close at heart, and the seeds of China-Mozambique friendship quietly took root in the children's hearts amidst the laughter and joy.
Tomissane Macamo, the director of the AACOSIDA Orphanage, was full of gratitude: "Such consultation services are incredibly valuable. There's no need to queue or go through complicated procedures. The Chinese doctors came directly to us, safeguarding the children's health with their expertise and compassion, and helping us understand the children's physical conditions promptly. We will forever remember this kindness." His words represent a high level of recognition for the aid team members' work and serve as a beautiful testament to the China-Mozambique friendship.
The year 2026 marks both the "China-Africa Year of People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges" and the 50th anniversary of Sichuan Province sending medical teams to Mozambique. For five decades, the torch has been passed down through generations of aid team members who have crossed oceans and steadfastly upheld their mission. Dr. Yang Dan stands as one member of this distinguished contingent. Carrying the trust of our hospital and the original aspirations of a healer, she upholds the professional spirit of "revering life, saving lives, being willing to dedicate, and showing boundless love" in a foreign land, protecting the health of the local people with her professional medical skills and conveying the China-Mozambique friendship with sincere compassion.
Crossing oceans, healers walk side by side; unwavering in commitment, bearing the mission on their shoulders. Dr. Yang Dan will continue to carry forward this fine tradition, holding dear the expectations and support of our hospital as she advances steadily on her aid mission abroad. She will engage in more down-to-earth activities that benefit the people, building a bridge of China-Mozambique friendship with a healer's benevolent heart, allowing the flower of this friendship to bloom continuously over the years, and bringing the sense of duty and warmth of Chinese medical professionals to more people in this foreign land.
