On June 15, Father’s Day, Dr. Zhang Junqiao, a 38-year-old Chinese anaesthesiologist, made the ultimate sacrifice to save a drowning woman. He managed to push her to safety but he lost his life.
His courageous death has been regarded as powerful symbol of the enduring China-Africa friendship and dedication of medical professionals.
Dr. Zhang, leader of the 27th Chinese medical team in Tanzania, was midway through a two-year medical aid mission at Muhimbili National Hospital(MNH).
On that fateful day, he spotted a Tanzanian woman struggling in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Dar es Salaam.
Without a moment’s hesitation, he plunged into the churning water. Eyewitness photos captured the harrowing moments: Dr. Zhang, battling the waves, keeping the woman afloat and bravely helping her into a life jacket.
However, the immense exertion took its toll. Exhausted from the heroic effort, Dr. Zhang succumbed to the very waters he had so fearlessly entered. Despite the desperate attempts of his colleagues to revive him, he could not be saved.
On Friday morning, a sombre crowd of over 300 people gathered at Muhimbili National Hospital.
Doctors, nurses, hospital staff, and members of the Tanzanian community stood side by side in silent tribute, bidding a final farewell to the man who had given his life for another.
Dr. Zhang, who was a doctor at the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, was posthumously honored as a Hero of Justice and Courage in Weifang, Shandong province, on Tuesday.
“It was simply out of his instinct and kind heart as a medical worker. That’s who he was,” said Li Linyan, associate chief physician of the anesthesiology department at the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University(Quoted by Bastille Global Post).
Zhang had been stationed at MNH, the country’s top referral facility since early 2024. As a senior anesthesiologist, he quickly adapted to the pressing needs of the hospital, where fewer than 20 anesthesiologists serve a facility operating seven to eight surgical rooms.
In 2020, he began passionately promoting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). He purchased training aids with his own money to teach local residents crucial first aid techniques on the street.
Driven by his belief in the power of public education, Dr. Zhang also took the lead in launching an initiative and organizing a volunteer team dedicated to promoting CPR training. By the end of 2023, more than 400 philanthropic activities had been conducted under this vital initiative, significantly enhancing emergency preparedness within the community.
China has publicly paid tribute to him, emphasizing that his act exemplifies the deep bonds of friendship between China and Africa and the steadfast commitment of Chinese medical teams abroad.
