BIUST & Chinese Medical Team Lead Proactive Health Awareness Initiative

Professor Otlogetswe Totolo is the Vice Chancellor of BIUST together with Chinese medical team

Palapye, Botswana – November 13 , 2025 . In a powerful demonstration of community-focused healthcare, the Confucius Institute at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (CI-BIUST), together with the BIUST Clinic, recently joined forces with the esteemed Chinese Medical Team for a comprehensive Health Awareness Session. The event, focused on the critical themes of Hypertension, Diabetes, and emergency CPR techniques, empowered attendees with practical knowledge to take control of their well-being.

This partnership goes beyond a single event, reflecting a growing trend of Sino-African collaboration in the health sector. Chinese medical teams have a long and respected history across Africa, with decades of dedicated service in countries like Botswana. This initiative by CI-BIUST seamlessly blends this legacy of medical cooperation with the educational and cultural exchange mission of the Confucius Institute, creating a holistic model for community outreach.

Expert Insights for a Healthier Life

The session featured invaluable, actionable advice from specialist physicians:

  • Combating Hypertension with Dr. Lin Yuew: Dr. Lin provided a clear roadmap for preventing and managing high blood pressure, emphasizing a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. He strongly advised limiting salt and alcohol intake, quitting smoking, incorporating regular exercise, and managing stress. “Remember,” Dr. Lin urged, “consistency is key. Take your medication as prescribed and maintain regular follow-ups with your doctor.”
  • Preventing Diabetes with Dr. Chen Guohong: Dr. Chen demystified Diabetes Mellitus prevention, highlighting the importance of reducing sugar and refined carbohydrates. He championed an active lifestyle, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy weight. “Prevention starts with daily choices,” Dr. Chen noted. “Regular check-ups are your first line of defense, and if diagnosed, consistent monitoring and adherence to medication or insulin are non-negotiable.”
  • Saving Lives with Dr. Chen Jinguang: The session concluded with a vital, hands-on demonstration of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) by Dr. Chen Jinguang. He stressed that immediate action is crucial during cardiac arrest, guiding attendees through the critical steps: checking for responsiveness, calling for help, and performing continuous, hard, and fast chest compressions. He also demonstrated how trained individuals can incorporate rescue breaths.

From Awareness to Action: Free Health Screenings

Moving beyond theory, the event offered participants direct access to healthcare services. Attendees benefited from free health screenings, including blood pressure and glucose checks, and received personalized consultations with a team of specialists, including cardiologists and oncologists from the Chinese Medical Team.

This initiative underscores a vital message: “Your Health is Your Wealth.” By promoting regular check-ups and proactive management of chronic conditions, the event reinforced that prevention is invariably better and more cost-effective than cure.

The successful collaboration between CI-BIUST, the BIUST Clinic, and the Chinese Medical Team stands as a model for how international educational and medical partnerships can directly address pressing public health needs, building a healthier, more informed, and resilient community.

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