Zimbabwean health workers receive TCM training

"When I was a student in China, apart from just learning about the Western pharmacy, I learned more about identifying traditional Chinese plants, and the teachers would talk about the benefits of these natural herbs. We also went on to use some of them in our daily lives," Chimbunde says. "So upon coming back to Zimbabwe, when I heard that they were introducing TCM and acupuncture, I saw it as an opportunity to combine their own natural way of treating people with what I have learned as a pharmaceutical student."

Another trainee, Richard Mutingwende, who is a natural therapist specializing in homeopathy, says that incorporating TCM in his practice will greatly enhance his work.

"I have referred so many patients to the center for treatment. Within a few weeks, or within a few sessions, they quickly recover, even after a very long period of suffering with a chronic condition," Mutingwende says. "We are talking of a system which embraces what we call a holistic approach. The system is noninvasive. It means it's safe, it doesn't have any side effects and it's affordable, so I decided to take acupuncture so that I can add it into my repertoire as a homeopathic practitioner."

Melba Mafika, who was involved in a car accident, has been experiencing side effects due to his medication. "I needed something that can relieve my pain," she says.

Zimbabwe and China share a long history of cooperation in the health sector. Since 1985, China has dispatched 18 medical teams to the southern African country.