China 21st Medical Team in action as Zimbabwe decl...

China 21st Medical Team in action as Zimbabwe declares drought disaster

Chen Junpeng

Correspondent

On April 3, President Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe declared a national disaster emergency status due to the severe drought caused by the El Nino phenomenon. The country is facing a grain shortage of 680,000 tons, with over 2.7 million people in need of food aid.

On April 13, the 21st China medical team in Zimbabwe, consisting of 11 members, traveled nearly 20 kilometers to visit an affected family in the suburban area of Harare. The Matienga family, with more than 10 members, relies on farming for a living.

The intensified drought this year has made it difficult for them to make ends meet. The family was deeply grateful for the help from the China medical team. At the same time, the experts from the medical team also provided professional health consultations for the neighbors who came to seek help. After the visit, the local residents gathered at the roadside, waving goodbye with grateful smiles.

**Members of the 21st China medical team with children from the neighbourhood during their visit to the Matienga family in Epworth**

The team leader of the 21st China medical team, Tan Jianlong, expressed that as doctors, they are also bridge of friendship.

**The 21st Medical Team with the Matienga family**

While providing dedicated health services to the local people, they also want to contribute their modest efforts to help the affected people. They believe that with unity and mutual help, Zimbabwe will surely overcome the difficulties.

Chen Junpeng is an Attending physician of Orthopedics in Loudi Central Hospital and the Chief of Publicity for 21st China medical team,