Over 300 mourners gathered at Tanzania's Muhimbili National Hospital this week to honor Dr. Zhang Junqiao, a Chinese medical volunteer who lost his life while saving a drowning woman on June 15. The 38-year-old anesthesiologist from Shandong province had been leading China's 27th medical aid team since January 2024, working tirelessly to address critical healthcare shortages in the region.
Hospital director Emmanuel Makanzo described Zhang as "a beacon of hope during our most challenging times," noting his team had treated over 12,000 patients before the tragedy. Witnesses report Zhang immediately jumped into rough coastal waters to rescue a local woman caught in strong currents, successfully pushing her to safety before being overwhelmed by waves.
The Chinese Embassy in Tanzania announced posthumous recognition for Zhang's dual contributions to international medical cooperation and humanitarian action. Colleagues revealed he had postponed his scheduled return to China to train local anesthesia technicians, with three Tanzanian medical students set to complete their certifications under his program next month.
