This year marks a significant milestone in the history of international cooperation, as it is the 60th anniversary of China’s first medical team sent to aid Algeria in 1963. Over these six decades, China has dispatched over 30,000 medical professionals to 76 countries and regions, primarily in Africa, where Chinese medical teams are currently active in 56 countries, operating 115 medical centers.
To commemorate this enduring legacy, the touching and intricate relationships between Chinese doctors and African communities are being brought to life on screen in the TV drama ‘Welcome to Milele.’ Currently broadcast on several channels and streaming sites in China, this drama is a poignant portrayal of the real-life experiences of these medical teams.
Filmed across six locations in China and Tanzania, ‘Welcome to Milele’ is a rare large-scale international co-production for Chinese television. The series is set against the backdrop of the 10th anniversary of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), emphasizing the selfless dedication of Chinese medical teams in Africa.
The drama is inspired by true stories and filmed in authentic locations, providing a vivid and realistic portrayal of the medical and cultural interactions. The narrative focuses on the fictional Milele Village, which stands as a symbol of China’s permanent and warm promise of medical aid to African friends.
Chief scriptwriter and producer Liang Zhenhua, driven by his medical and family background, delved deep into the history and current practices of China’s medical teams in Africa. The script was enriched by extensive research, including interviews with hundreds of medical professionals who worked in Africa, visits to medical teams and hospitals, and observations of surgical procedures.
One such story is that of Liu Xin, a pediatrician who was part of the 30th China (Jiangsu) Medical Team to Tanzania’s Zanzibar. Liu’s experience at the Abdulla Mzee Hospital, where she dealt with emergencies and a lack of equipment and medicine, forms the backbone of the drama’s narrative. Her story, particularly the recovery of a young patient named Slaum, exemplifies the challenges and rewards faced by these medical teams.
For Jin Dong, the veteran actor playing the protagonist, the role was an eye-opening experience. His character, Ma Jia, a skilled but prideful doctor, undergoes personal growth through his work in Africa. Jin’s preparation for the role involved in-depth research and immersion into the lives of Chinese medical teams in Tanzania, highlighting the impact of their work.
‘Welcome to Milele’ is not just a drama series; it’s a reflection of the longstanding friendship and cultural exchange between China and Africa. With plans to translate the series into Swahili and broadcast it in several African countries, the show is set to reach a wider audience, further strengthening the bond between these two regions.
In conclusion, ‘Welcome to Milele’ is more than a television series; it is a tribute to the decades of humanitarian work and cultural connections forged by Chinese medical teams in Africa. As the drama unfolds, it brings to light the stories of dedication, compassion, and friendship that have characterized this 60-year journey, celebrating an enduring legacy that continues to resonate across continents.
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