On March 14, 2023, the sun shone brightly, casting its warm glow as everything sprung back to life, while the fragrance of orange blossoms filled the air. On this day filled with vitality and hope, the Chefchaouen team of the China Aid Morocco Medical Team generously donated a batch of medical equipment and protective materials worth over RMB 150,000 to Mohamed V Hospital in Chefchaouen. A simple donation ceremony was held to mark the occasion.

As the old adage goes, "True friendship binds us together like glue and lacquer, resilient and enduring through thousands of miles, stronger even than gold and stone.”

The year 2023 will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the dispatch of China's foreign aid medical teams. As part of the 195th batch of the medical team sent to Morocco, we formally assumed responsibility from the previous team in December 2022. Since then, we have been dedicatedly serving and residing at the aid hospital for over three months. As the continent with the highest concentration of developing countries globally, Africa faces numerous challenges in the realm of public health. Africa grapples with shortages in hospitals and medical equipment, a scarcity of skilled medical personnel, and the challenge of retaining local healthcare workers. Establishing a sustainable cycle of epidemic prevention, strengthening public health systems, and ensuring the availability of trained medical professionals remain formidable tasks. Additionally, there is a relative scarcity of medical training institutions across the continent. The Chinese government consistently dispatches medical teams to offer assistance to local residents in need. Moreover, in accordance with bilateral agreements, the Chinese government regularly donates medical supplies to recipient hospitals, addressing the shortage of essential medical resources in recipient countries and contributing to the enhancement of local healthcare conditions. The donation of supplies to Mohammed V Hospital by the Chefchaouen team of the China-aided Moroccan medical team serves as another poignant illustration of the enduring friendship between China and Morocco.

This marks our inaugural year in Morocco, and through collective efforts, we have gradually acclimated to the working lifestyle in this country. Thanks to the concerted efforts of all parties involved, this year's supplies arrived much earlier than in previous years. After several months of work, team members have come to a profound understanding of the shortage of local medical equipment, with the operating room lacking even basic tools. To ensure that our donated materials are utilized to their fullest potential, team members have been actively involved in organizing the medicine and equipment supplies. In addition to sorting and counting this batch of medicines, we also organized the epidemic prevention materials left behind by the previous team. According to our records, a total of 105 different types and models of medical devices, equipment, and materials were donated, with an estimated value exceeding 150,000 RMB. After collaboratively organizing the list of donated materials, we promptly contacted the economic director of the recipient hospital and the leaders of the Chefchaouen Provincial Department of Health. Together, we determined the specific time, venue, participants, and jointly formulated the process for the donation ceremony.

The donation ceremony was scheduled for noon. Early in the morning, all team members expedited their tasks, changed into formal attire, adorned with team badges, and arrived at the ceremony site with high spirits. The event was attended by Mr. Amal Khalid, Director of Chefchaouen Health Department, Ms. Sara Hind Jaafer, Director of Chefchaouen Muhammad V Hospital, Mr. Bouazza Bourahmouni, Administrative Director of Chefchaouen Muhammad V Hospital, as well as medical and nursing representatives from each department. At 12:30 p.m., Mr. Amal Khalid, Director of the Chefchaouen Health Department, delivered the opening speech. He extended a warm welcome to the Chinese medical team and expressed heartfelt gratitude for their invaluable assistance in healthcare in Chefchaouen. He also extended sincere appreciation to the Chinese government for its long-standing support in constructing Chefchaouen's medical infrastructure, providing funds, medicines, and medical equipment. This assistance has significantly enhanced the public health system and improved healthcare quality for the people of Chefchaouen. Mr. Khalid emphasized the profound impact of the Chinese government's assistance on the province's public health system, underscoring its crucial role in promoting the well-being and health of the Chefchaouen populace.

Ms. Sara Hind Jaafer, Director of Chefchaouen Mohammed V Hospital, conveyed her sincere gratitude for the donation and assured that the supplies would be utilized optimally to enhance convenience for the local residents. She expressed her desire to maintain a friendly relationship with the Chinese medical team in both professional endeavors and personal life, aiming to provide the utmost convenience and support for the team members.

On behalf of the entire team, Captain Taosha from the Chefchaouen team extended heartfelt gratitude to the hospital and Moroccan friends for their support over the past three months. He emphasized that their experience in Morocco, both in work and daily life, has showcased the country's warmth and friendliness. Captain Taosha highlighted the genuine kindness and hospitality of the local people, expressing deep appreciation for the opportunity to work at Mohammed V Hospital in Chefchaouen Province. He also noted the enriching interactions with Moroccan medical staff, where colleagues, friends, and relatives learned from each other and progressed together. We are committed to doing our utmost to assist more Moroccan people, both now and in the future. We firmly believe that while donations are valuable, friendship is truly priceless. Subsequently, Tao Sha, Captain of the Chefchaouen team, and Sara Hind Jaafer, director of Muhammad V Hospital, signed the handover certificate in the presence of both parties as witnesses. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the supplies were handed over in front of the residence of the Chinese medical team.

The Chinese medical team has exemplified the spirit of the Chinese medical mission through their practical actions of fearlessness in the face of challenges, dedication to saving lives, and boundless love. In doing so, they have authored a magnificent chapter in the realm of foreign aid medical care. We take great pride in being part of this exceptional team, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to uphold the spirit of the Chinese medical team. Our goal is to serve the health needs of the people in recipient countries, further strengthen the bond between China and Morocco, and bring honor to our homeland through our dedication and hard work.