Chinese Doctors Free Clinics Enhance Student Health in Schools

The recent initiative by Chinese doctors to establish free clinics in schools across Guinea-Bissau represents a significant step towards addressing the country’s healthcare challenges, particularly among the youth. With only a handful of hospitals and underdeveloped healthcare infrastructure, many students in Guinea-Bissau suffer from easily treatable conditions due to limited access to medical services. The establishment of the “Health into Schools” program, launched in May 2025, not only aims to provide immediate medical attention but also focuses on educating the children about health practices to foster long-term wellness. This proactive approach is crucial in a country where issues like malnutrition, infectious diseases, and inadequate sanitation pose severe threats to the health of adolescents, as noted by Pang Yong, the head of the Chinese medical team.

During the free clinics at schools, the Chinese medical team, composed of specialists in multiple fields, attended to various health issues such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and skin infections, which are prevalent in the community. The stories of students like Maria Ines Djassi and Abdulai Indjai highlight the importance of such programs; for many, this is their first interaction with professional medical care. Maria’s newfound aspiration to pursue a career in public health reflects the transformative impact these clinics can have, instilling not only hope but also a sense of possibility in students. Moreover, the principal of Samora Moises Machel High School expressed gratitude for the rare opportunity this program provides, emphasizing its value in a region where healthcare access remains profoundly limited.

The collaboration between the Chinese medical team and the local educational and health authorities illustrates an effective model for addressing public health concerns in Guinea-Bissau. Since sending its first medical team to the country in 1976, China has been committed to improving health outcomes through direct engagement and education. The enthusiastic response from students and staff alike signifies not only a demand for immediate medical care but also the community’s appreciation for international support in capacity building. As the program continues to evolve, there is hope that it will pave the way for sustained health initiatives, enabling children to thrive academically and physically in a country where healthcare is often distant and inaccessible.

Summary

In an effort to improve healthcare access for adolescents in Guinea-Bissau, a team of 14 Chinese doctors launched the “Health into Schools” program, conducting free clinics at local high schools, including Samora Moises Machel High School. This initiative, which began in May 2025, aims to address significant health challenges faced by students, such as malnutrition, skin infections, and respiratory diseases, stemming from underdeveloped healthcare infrastructure and poor local sanitary conditions. With over 1,600 students benefiting from consultations, health lectures, and medical care, the program has been met with overwhelming appreciation from both students and school officials, highlighting the urgent need for ongoing healthcare support in the region. The Chinese medical team’s commitment to education and community health has inspired students like Maria Ines Djassi, who expressed interest in pursuing medicine, reflecting the profound impact of this initiative.