A team of Chinese ophthalmologists will perform 1,000 free cataract operations on Sudanese patients in Khartoum as part of a medical cooperation between the two nations.

Dubbed ' Light Program,' the eye doctors started operating on patients on Monday following a small ceremony organized by Sudan's Ministry of Health at a local eye hospital.

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"This therapeutic program indicates the level of the distinguished ties between Sudan and China and their cooperation in what brings benefit for the two peoples," said Awad Ahmed Al-Jaz, a Sudanese official tasked to oversee Sino-Sudanese relations,during the ceremony.

1,000 free eye surgeries

Sudan's Minister of Health Bahar Idriss Abu Garada said the Chinese medical contingent aims to conduct 1,000 free eye surgeries during the duration of their stay in the country. He said the doctors are expected to perform at least 30 operations a day to reach their goal.

"Sudan and China are tending to make their relationship comprehensive and strategic in all fields. We hope this practical application would push the bilateral ties to a strategic level with mutual benefits," Garada said.

Garada expressed gratitude to the visiting medical team for their 'selfless acts of kindness' in contributing to Sudan's 'National Program for Combating Blindness.'

Sino-Sudanese ties

Chinese ambassador to Khartoum Li Lianhe emphasized the need to strengthen ties with Sudan in all fields with primary focus on the health cooperation between the two sides.

In a speech he delivered at the ceremony, ambassador Li said Sino-Sudanese ties have never been stronger and note that Beijing would extend its help to the African nation in all areas of cooperation.

"The Light Program represents one of the practical steps that the Chinese government adopts in line with the outcomes of Johannesburg summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. It incarnates the idea of the Chinese side towards cooperation with the African countries according to the principles of devotion, true results, convergence and honesty," Li said.

The medical team includes 15 ophthalmologists, surgeons, surgery assistants. and medical technicians. 

TagsChinese ophthalmologists, Sudan, Sino-Sudanese ties, Light program, china