Hu Sha, a TCM doctor from China, concluded her impactful two-year service in Zimbabwe, where she enhanced local healthcare, especially for children with cerebral palsy. Her legacy includes establishing the first TCM emergency room in Africa and fostering trust in traditional practices among Zimbabweans. As Hu departs, her work will be continued by Xiao Zhiqiang, ensuring that TCM’s benefits persist in the region.

Hu Sha, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctor from China’s 21st batch of medical personnel in Zimbabwe, has significantly impacted local healthcare over her two-year tenure. As she prepares to return to China, Hu reflects on her experiences and the profound changes she made in the lives of her patients at the Zimbabwe-China TCM and Acupuncture Center in Harare. Known endearingly as Doctor Chipo, meaning “gift” in Shona, her commitment to her work has left an indelible mark on the community.

Despite facing homesickness, Hu found motivation in her patients’ smiles and their expressions of gratitude, noting, “When I see my patients who once suffered smile again, when I hear a local child with cerebral palsy say ‘thank you’ to me in Chinese, I know all my efforts have been worthwhile.” She believes that the trust placed in TCM by Zimbabweans has been one of the greatest rewards of her service.

Upon her arrival in March 2023, Hu anticipated a one-year commitment but chose to extend her stay due to the growing acceptance of TCM within the local population. As head of the TCM center, she oversaw daily operations and promoted the culture of traditional medicine, leading to a surge in patient interest and appointments, which are currently booked until April.

During her time, Hu established Africa’s first TCM emergency room and exhibition area at the center, facilitated through collaboration with the First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine. She aimed to create a space for Zimbabweans to engage with and learn about TCM benefits directly, making traditional practices more accessible to the community.

One of Hu’s most significant contributions has been developing specialized treatments for children with cerebral palsy, utilizing acupuncture for their rehabilitation. “In my clinical work, I discovered a high number of children with cerebral palsy in Zimbabwe. TCM acupuncture plays a positive role in their rehabilitation,” she stated, highlighting the importance of her efforts in this specific area of care.

Parents have noted improvements in their children’s conditions through her treatments. Rudo Gonyora, a mother of a four-year-old patient, emphasized the noticeable progress her child has made since starting acupuncture. Local team members have equally expressed gratitude for Hu’s compassionate approach, underscoring her positive influence in the clinic.

As Hu transitions from her role, her work will continue through Xiao Zhiqiang, a new TCM doctor in Zimbabwe. Xiao is enthusiastic about perpetuating the cooperation between Chinese and Zimbabwean medicine, stating, “I will continue helping the China-Zimbabwe traditional medicine cooperation project take root and grow.” He aspires to extend TCM’s benefits to more individuals within the community.

The contributions of Hu Sha, a dedicated TCM practitioner in Zimbabwe, have profoundly changed the healthcare landscape and improved the lives of numerous patients, especially children with cerebral palsy. Hu’s legacy will continue through her successor, Xiao Zhiqiang, ensuring the ongoing development and integration of traditional Chinese medicine in Zimbabwe.

Original Source: english.news.cn

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