Published: 14:22, July 14, 2024 | Updated: 18:05, July 14, 2024
Malawi, China sign MoU on health cooperation
By Xinhua
In this file photo dated June 1, 2022, a member of the Chinese Medical Team cheers up a child at the paediatric ward of Mzuzu Central Hospital in Mzuzu, Malawi. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

LILONGWE - Malawian Ministry of Health and the National Health Commission of China have signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between hospitals of the two countries.

Malawian Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda and the Chinese Ambassador to Malawi Long Zhou represented the two sides in the signing of the MoU in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, on Friday.

Chiponda described the signed agreement as "timely" and that it "ushers in a new era of strong cooperation between China and Malawi in the critical field of health care".

According to Malawian Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, the agreement focuses on strengthening key areas such as obstetrics and gynecology of Malawi's Kamuzu Central Hospital and the first affiliated hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University in northwestern China's Shaanxi province

According to the minister, the agreement focuses on strengthening key areas such as obstetrics and gynecology of Malawi's Kamuzu Central Hospital and the first affiliated hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University in northwestern China's Shaanxi province.

The collaboration between the two institutions will enhance local capacity for treating critically ill pregnant women, and improve diagnosis and treatment of gynecological conditions, according to Chaponda.

ALSO READ: China-Malawi relations develop rapidly with mutual trust

The minister said the agreement will also focus on radiology and clinical laboratory, whereby Malawian Mzuzu Central Hospital will partner with Xi'an Jiaotong University "to cultivate a skilled workforce" in the said fields.

She further disclosed that the implementation of the agreements will be guided by a joint project proposal and annual plans development by both parties, with a three-year timeframe.

"I want to express our sincere gratitude for the longstanding support the People's Republic of China has extended to Malawi: China's commitment to our health sector is deeply appreciated," said the minister.

Chinese Ambassador to Malawi Long Zhou pledged his government's continued support to Malawi to improve the health sector and the welfare of the citizens

She noted: "With this agreement in place, we embark on a new chapter of collaboration that will undoubtedly benefit the health and well-being of the Malawian people."

The Chinese Ambassador to Malawi pledged his government's continued support to Malawi to improve the health sector and the welfare of the citizens.

READ MORE: Xi: China will work with Malawi to deepen friendly, cooperative relations

Ambassador Long said both Malawi and China will benefit from the MoU since doctors from China also learn a lot of the new things that are particular to Malawi.