The Chinese naval hospital ship Auspicious Ark recently completed a seven-day friendly visit to Mauritania, marking the first stop of Mission Harmony-2026. During its stay, the ship provided medical services to locals, including consultations, examinations, and surgeries. The visit aimed to strengthen ties between China and Mauritania, as well as provide much-needed medical care to the local population. The ship's crew also engaged in academic exchanges, technical training, and cultural activities.
One notable event during the visit was the birth of a baby boy on board the ship, affectionately called the "Auspicious Baby." The baby's mother, Aissata Ba, had been receiving prenatal care locally but required a cesarean section due to complications. The ship's medical team successfully performed the surgery, and both mother and baby are doing well. The newborn was wrapped in a blanket with the words "Auspicious Baby" and a traditional red bellyband, gifts prepared by the medical team.
This was not the first time the Chinese medical team had visited Mauritania. The Mission Harmony series, launched in 2010, is carrying out its 12th mission this year. Zhu Gang, chief medical officer of the hospital ship, previously visited Mauritania in 2024 with the Peace Ark. During the visit, the ship recorded a significant number of patient visits, with approximately 900 on the opening day, 1,200 the next day, and 1,400 on September 18.
The medical services provided by the ship went beyond consultations and examinations on board. The crew also conducted medical services in local communities, academic exchanges, and study visits. Meng Xiaohui, a nurse in the central sterile supply department, recalled her first visit to Mauritania in 2024 and noted that communication was sometimes difficult due to language barriers. However, she was impressed by the local people's cooperation and warm reception towards the Chinese medical staff.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was among the services that drew particular interest from local patients. Zhu Xu, a TCM doctor on his first overseas mission, saw many patients seeking treatment, including Savia Zein, who had previously received acupuncture on board the Peace Ark in 2024. Another TCM doctor, Huang Nian, noted that TCM techniques are relatively inexpensive and require little equipment, making them practical in areas with limited medical resources.
The visit also highlighted the collaboration between the Chinese medical team and the local medical community. The 36th Chinese medical team to Mauritania conducted joint consultations with doctors on board the Auspicious Ark in various specialties. Wang Yu, head of the Chinese medical team, noted that the team's local clinical experience complemented the ship's team of specialists and advanced equipment, allowing for more accurate diagnoses and efficient treatment.
The Chinese hospital ship's visit to Mauritania has strengthened ties between the two countries and demonstrated China's commitment to providing medical care and support to the local population. The visit has also showcased the capabilities of the Chinese medical team and the advanced equipment on board the Auspicious Ark. The success of the visit is a testament to the growing cooperation between China and Mauritania in the field of healthcare.
Key points
- The Chinese naval hospital ship Auspicious Ark provided medical services to locals during its seven-day visit to Mauritania.
- The visit included medical services in local communities, academic exchanges, and cultural activities.
- The Chinese medical team's collaboration with the local medical community has strengthened ties between China and Mauritania.
