On April 8, Tanzania’s Ministry of Health held a ceremony to bid farewell to the 27th Chinese medical team to Tanzania upon the completion of their mission and to welcome the arrival of the 28th team. This day also marked the birthday of Zhang Junqiao, a martyr, who served as interim Party branch secretary and team leader of the 27th Chinese medical team and was also a deputy chief physician of the Anesthesiology Department of our university’s affiliated hospital.

Chen Mingjian, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, and Dr. Seif Shekalage from the Tanzanian Ministry of Health attended the ceremony and presented certificates and trophies, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the medical team and the martyr, Zhang Junqiao, for their contributions in Tanzania.

In the special certificate of commendation awarded to martyr Zhang Junqiao by the government of the United Republic of Tanzania, it reads:

“We extend our highest respect to you in recognition of your extraordinary dedication to the people of Tanzania, which transcended the bounds of medicine. On 15 June 2025, in the Kigamboni area of Dar es Salaam, you heroically sacrificed your life while rescuing a local resident at the age of 38, demonstrating the highest ideals of humanity – compassion, care, and selfless devotion. Your courage, piety, and unwavering commitment to saving lives will be forever remembered and honored. We express our heartfelt respect and gratitude.”

During the ceremony, Zhang Junqiao’s heroic act of saving a life was repeatedly mentioned. Both the outgoing and incoming medical team members, in their speeches, paid their sincerest respects to his fearlessness and kindness. Liu Jia, team leader of the 28th Chinese medical team to Tanzania and an alumnus of our university (Class of 2002, Anesthesiology major), said: “Zhang Junqiao made outstanding contributions to the friendship between the Chinese and Tanzanian peoples. Our 28th medical team will carry forward his legacy and continue to deepen China-Tanzania friendship. We will keep in mind the mission of foreign aid, stay true to the original aspiration of being medical professionals, and lead the team with firmer conviction and a more pragmatic approach to successfully complete all medical aid tasks, protect the health of local people with dedication, write a new chapter in China-Africa friendship, and live up to the efforts and expectations of our predecessors.”

The event was also attended by Chu Kun, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania, and all members of the 27th and 28th Chinese medical teams to Tanzania.