A Chinese doctor examines a local girl's ear in Zanzibar, Tanzania, May 30, 2026. The Chinese medical team in collaboration with Zanzibar's Ministry of Health provided free medical services to local residents during a one-day outreach clinic on Saturday at Sinai Polyclinic in Zanzibar. The initiative formed part of China's "100 Medical Teams in 1,000 Villages" program and coincided with celebrations marking International Children's Day. (Photo: Xinhua)

ZANZIBAR, Tanzania, May 31 (Xinhua) -- On a bright Saturday morning in Kombeni, on the outskirts of Tanzania's Zanzibar City, 71-year-old security guard Amin Maulid Juma stepped out of Sinai Polyclinic with a renewed sense of relief and gratitude.

For weeks, he had endured sleepless nights due to persistent stomach pain. But after just 45 minutes under the care of doctors from the 35th Chinese medical team in Zanzibar, his condition improved significantly.

"I have been spending sleepless nights for quite some time now, but today I feel much better after the Chinese doctors treated me free of charge," Juma said, clutching packets of prescribed medication.

Juma was among nearly 200 local residents who received free medical services during a one-day outreach clinic organized by the Chinese medical team in collaboration with Zanzibar's Ministry of Health at Sinai Polyclinic. The initiative formed part of China's "100 Medical Teams in 1,000 Villages" program and coincided with celebrations marking International Children's Day.

The outreach brought together Chinese specialists in internal medicine, such as gynecology, ear, nose and throat care, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and traditional Chinese medicine. In addition to consultations and treatment, the team provided health education sessions and distributed free medicines to patients.

For many residents of Kombeni, access to specialized healthcare services remains limited. The arrival of the Chinese medical team offered a rare opportunity to consult experienced specialists at no cost.

"It is not easy to see a specialist, but today many patients in this community have had that opportunity," said Mohammed Ali Mussa, an emergency specialist at the state-run Lumumba Hospital who collaborated with the visiting team.

Mussa said the Chinese doctors not only treated patients but also shared their expertise with local healthcare professionals.

"Local doctors learned a great deal by observing the consultations and interacting with the Chinese team. This kind of collaboration is very important for improving our healthcare services," he said.

The most common conditions treated during the outreach included diabetes, eye disorders, chronic illnesses, and tropical diseases such as eczema and other skin ailments. Patients received one-on-one consultations, prescriptions, and advice on managing their conditions.

The event also carried a strong humanitarian touch, particularly for children. To mark International Children's Day, members of the Chinese medical team used their own funds to purchase gifts for young patients and children in the community.

Seven-year-old Murshid Mustafa from Great Future Academy could hardly contain his excitement as he proudly displayed his gifts.

"I am very happy, and I thank the Chinese doctors for their generous donation. Chinese will always remain our friends, indeed," he said.

Mustafa and his classmates said the gifts would serve as a lasting reminder of the friendship between China and Tanzania.

Bao Zengtao, leader of the Chinese medical team, said the outreach reflected the team's ongoing commitment to serving local communities.

"This free medical outreach is part of our continuous efforts to bring accessible healthcare services to grassroots communities," Bao said. "We hope to reach more villages and provide diverse, efficient and professional medical services to more people in need."

He added that such activities are not only about treating illnesses but also about building trust and strengthening ties between China and Tanzania.

China's medical assistance to Tanzania dates back to the 1960s. Since then, successive Chinese medical teams have been dispatched to both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, working in hospitals, training local staff, and conducting outreach programs in underserved communities.

In Zanzibar, Chinese medical teams have become an integral part of the healthcare system, helping improve access to quality medical services, Mussa said. He added that Chinese doctors have also played a key role in strengthening local capacity through training and knowledge sharing.

The outreach at Sinai Polyclinic exemplified this enduring partnership at the community level. For residents like Juma, it represented more than just medical care.

As he prepared to leave the clinic, Juma paused to reflect on the experience. "I feel hopeful again," he said. "May God bless these doctors for what they have done for us."

For the Chinese medical team, such moments serve as a powerful reminder of the impact of their work. With plans to expand outreach efforts to more rural communities, the 35th Chinese medical team continues to carry forward a legacy of service that has spanned generations.

A Chinese doctor provides health education sessions to a local child in Zanzibar, Tanzania, May 30, 2026. The Chinese medical team in collaboration with Zanzibar's Ministry of Health provided free medical services to local residents during a one-day outreach clinic on Saturday at Sinai Polyclinic in Zanzibar. The initiative formed part of China's "100 Medical Teams in 1,000 Villages" program and coincided with celebrations marking International Children's Day.(Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)

A Chinese doctor examines the teeth of a local child in Zanzibar, Tanzania, May 30, 2026. The Chinese medical team in collaboration with Zanzibar's Ministry of Health provided free medical services to local residents during a one-day outreach clinic on Saturday at Sinai Polyclinic in Zanzibar. The initiative formed part of China's "100 Medical Teams in 1,000 Villages" program and coincided with celebrations marking International Children's Day.(Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)

A Chinese doctor gives a toy to a local child in Zanzibar, Tanzania, May 30, 2026. The Chinese medical team in collaboration with Zanzibar's Ministry of Health provided free medical services to local residents during a one-day outreach clinic on Saturday at Sinai Polyclinic in Zanzibar. The initiative formed part of China's "100 Medical Teams in 1,000 Villages" program and coincided with celebrations marking International Children's Day.(Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)