JUBA, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- For nearly four years at the Confident Children out of Conflict (CCC) orphanage in South Sudan's capital, 17-year-old senior secondary student Anna Darios battled recurrent bouts of malaria.
Without the consistent medical care provided by Chinese medical teams, she might not have maintained the grades required to advance to secondary school, Darios said.
"We have benefited a lot from the support of the Chinese medical team," she told Xinhua in a recent interview.
Darios, who arrived at CCC in 2022 after fleeing a forced marriage, shared that the medical team's continuous support has not only kept the children healthy but also given them a renewed sense of security and protection.
Like previous rotations, the 14th batch of the Chinese medical team visits the orphanage monthly to conduct check-ups, provide treatments, and donate vital supplies such as medicine, food and clothing.
Marin Christine, a 19-year-old senior student from Western Equatoria State's Yambio County who has lived at CCC since 2015, echoed this gratitude, praising the team for their dedicated healthcare and essential provisions.
Christine, who fled an abusive caregiver, shared that she has received ongoing, free treatment for severe chronic diarrhea and a persistent cough from the Chinese medical team.
"I am so impressed with the Chinese doctors for prioritizing our health. They are always coming here to check on us, and we have become one big family despite our racial differences," Christine said.
Kidende Anna John, an 18-year-old from Terekeka County in Central Equatoria State who has lived at CCC since 2011, shared that the consistent care of the Chinese doctors over the years has brought joy and smiles to the children.
"Every time the Chinese doctors come here, they make sure that any sick child is taken care of," Anna said.
Odera Joel Katang, a social worker at CCC, emphasized that without the consistent support of the Chinese medical teams, the orphanage would struggle to provide proper care for the children.
"Their contribution to CCC is very huge and immense when it comes to the health of the children that we are taking care of here. They normally respond positively whenever we request medicines when our clinic runs out of drugs," Katang said.
Zhang Jinguo, team leader of the 14th batch of the Chinese medical team, noted that during each monthly visit to the orphanage, the team provides free medical check-ups, treats minor illnesses, offers health education and donates essential food items such as milk and biscuits.
"We find this work deeply meaningful. Every time we come here and see the children's smiles, we feel all our efforts are worthwhile. We hope to pass on care and health to these kids, carry forward the Chinese tradition of caring for children, and keep standing with the local community," he said.
Zhang noted that these regular medical outreaches play a vital role in deepening the enduring friendship and solidarity between China and South Sudan.
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