The role of Chinese medical teams in bridging healthcare gaps in Africa: a scoping review
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Background
Sub-Saharan Africa has faced profound healthcare challenges, including severe shortages of professionals and infrastructural deficits. Despite significant international aid, the full impact of Chinese Medical Teams (CMTs) in addressing these issues had remained underexplored. This scoping review aimed to synthesise existing literature on the role of CMTs in Africa, identifying key drivers, barriers, and gaps in research that could enhance the effectiveness of these programmes.
Methods
A comprehensive search was conducted across major English and Chinese databases up to February 2023, following the Arksey and O'Malley framework and adhering to the PRISMA-ScR checklist. Studies providing qualitative or quantitative insights into the modality, effectiveness, and challenges of CMTs were included. Thematic analysis, supported by NVivo 11 software, was used to synthesise the findings.
Results
The review included 20 English articles and 27 Chinese articles from 2009 to 2022, highlighting CMTs’ significant role in improving healthcare through direct medical assistance, training of local healthcare workers, and infrastructure development. Key drivers of CMT initiatives included diplomatic goals, economic cooperation, and humanitarian efforts. Conversely, operational challenges such as cultural differences, language barriers, and infrastructural inadequacies were prominent.
Conclusions
CMTs have effectively addressed healthcare disparities in Africa through a distinctive, government-led, and non-conditional programme. Their flexible, long-term engagement has strengthened healthcare systems across underserved regions, offering a model for sustainable global health aid. However, challenges such as cultural barriers and logistical constraints suggest a need for improved cultural competency and flexible staffing. Further empirical research, particularly involving African researchers, is essential to fully understand CMTs' long-term impact and refine strategies for future international health initiatives that align with local needs.
