A Chinese medical team has helped strengthen Zanzibar’s healthcare system by training 13 local doctors in laparoscopic, or minimally invasive, surgery.
The 35th Chinese medical team in Zanzibar completed a nine-month training programme on Friday, aimed at expanding the island’s capacity to provide advanced surgical services locally.
The programme was conducted at the Laparoscopic Training Center of Lumumba Regional Hospital and focused on improving the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques in Zanzibar.
Chinese experts provide hands-on surgical training
Launched in December 2025, the training combined classroom lessons with simulated exercises, surgical guidance, case reviews and practical experience during actual operations.
Chinese medical experts also developed simple laparoscopic training simulators using locally available materials. The approach allowed participating doctors to continue practising surgical techniques despite limited access to specialised training equipment.
The programme is part of broader efforts to build local expertise and improve access to advanced medical care in Zanzibar.
Zanzibar doctors gain independent surgical skills
Local general surgeon Haitham Hamudu praised the Chinese medical team for sharing its expertise and supporting the development of local surgical capacity.
According to Hamudu, the training has enabled local doctors to independently perform laparoscopic appendectomy and cholecystectomy, two common minimally invasive procedures.
He said the improved capacity could reduce the burden on patients by shortening recovery periods and allowing more people to access advanced surgical services closer to home.
China-Zanzibar medical cooperation
Bao Zengtao, leader of the Chinese medical team, said the programme was designed to establish a sustainable local team capable of carrying out laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment.
He said strengthening local expertise would help address gaps in Zanzibar’s minimally invasive surgical capacity.
The completion of the training highlights the role of China-Africa medical cooperation in supporting skills development and healthcare capacity across the continent.
Rather than focusing only on the transfer of medical equipment, the programme combined knowledge sharing, practical training and local skills development to help Zanzibar build a stronger pool of surgical professionals.
