Jin Wenwei from the Chinese medical team to Central African Republic: Symbol of China-Africa friendship

(chinadaily.com.cn)

Updated: 2014-05-27

There was political unrest and wars while Jin worked in Central African Republic. He always offered himself to the most dangerous situation to protect state property and his teammates’ safety. During the war in Central African Republic, most of the foreign expert teams were asked to withdraw, but Jin and a few other Chinese male workers stayed. “Chinese doctors are sincere in serving the Central African Republic and are their loyal friend,” said Jin. “I’m willing to be a cornerstone for bilateral friendship.”

Strengthen ideological and political education to promote foreign medical aid

From August 2002 to July 2008, Jin was appointed head of the Chinese medical team to Central African Republic and Party secretary twice. He focused on strengthening ideological education and internal system construction to transform the medical team into an efficient and highly-disciplined collective.

Jin motivated the patriotism of medical team members through educational activities and enhanced team cohesion. Every Tomb-Sweeping Day, Jin arranged for the team to visit the tomb of Cheng Jizhong, a member of the fourth Chinese medical team who died at Lobaye Hospital. When mourning Cheng, Jin asked his team to learn from Cheng’s work ethic and spirit, serve the national interests, make selfless contributions, and be fully aware of their responsibility and mission.

A boring life can give rise to negative feelings, so Jin arranged various recreational activities to spice up his team’s spare-time. The activities included table tennis, basketball, badminton, chess, singing and dancing. He also took his team out for picnics when they had days off. When working in Africa, the 16 members of his team formed a harmonious and friendly family ready to solve problems for local people.

Create a family for team members

In addition to carrying out various medical aid, Jin always paid special attention to how to strengthen infrastructure and improve the internal environment for the medical team. His efforts and support from the Chinese Ministry of Health, as well as the Zhejiang Health and Family Planning Commission, helped re-plan the original room, which was less than 60 square meters, into dining and activity rooms. The group also helped set up a new multi-functional recreation room and table tennis and badminton venues. Moreover, the kitchen, dining and billiard rooms, basketball court and garage of the medical team base were all renovated, greatly improving the living conditions of the team.

Jin also led team members to plant and process vegetables where they lived. The living environment and conditions kept them from being homesick. “I feel proud every time I see smiles on the faces of my team,” said Jin. The team took good care of a small garden, which was home to luxuriant grass and flowers, which gave the team a warm sense of being home after a busy day.