Chinese Medical Team Hands Over to 14th Batch After Year of Service in South Sudan
By Roselyn Oboy
The 13th Chinese Medical Team has handed over its duties to the 14th team after completing a year of medical service at Juba Teaching Hospital.
The handover ceremony in Juba brought together officials from the South Sudan Ministry of Health, Juba Teaching Hospital, the Chinese Embassy and members of both medical teams.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chinese Charge d’Affaires ad interim Huo Ying commended the outgoing team for treating tens of thousands of patients and strengthening South Sudan’s medical capacity through specialized services and training.
During its one-year mission, the 13th team conducted more than 13,500 outpatient consultations, 1,700 inpatient treatments and over 200 surgeries, while rescuing more than 50 critically ill patients.
The team also introduced what it described as South Sudan’s first digital PACS imaging system and ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, while advancing laparoscopic surgery, fetal monitoring and cervical cancer screening.
The outgoing team also established the Laparoscopic Minimally Invasive Surgery Center at Juba Teaching Hospital in July 2026 and conducted medical outreaches in Terekeka County, Gurei Community and Upper Nile State.
South Sudan’s health officials praised the Chinese government and medical teams for their continued contribution to the country’s healthcare system, particularly through skills transfer and capacity building for local health workers.
The Director General of the Ministry of Health, Janet Michael, also called for further cooperation in researching South Sudan’s traditional medicinal herbs, saying traditional medicine remains important for communities with limited access to health facilities.
Meanwhile, the Director General of Juba Teaching Hospital, Jackline Albino Akol, thanked the outgoing team for working alongside local health workers and improving the quality of care at the hospital.
The head of the incoming 14th Chinese Medical Team, Zhang Chinqu, pledged to continue the work of the previous team, strengthen cooperation with South Sudanese medical personnel and provide professional and dedicated services to patients.
Chinese officials also highlighted continued support for South Sudan’s health sector through medical personnel, training in China and infrastructure development, including the ongoing Phase II expansion of the China-aided Juba Teaching Hospital.
The medical team cooperation between China and South Sudan has continued for more than a decade, with successive teams serving at Juba Teaching Hospital and contributing to medical service delivery and capacity building.
