Hu Sha: planner of Africa's first "TCM Cultural Gallery"

Dr. Hu Sha, an attending physician in the Acupuncture and Massage Rehabilitation Department at First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, has served two consecutive terms in Zimbabwe as a member of the medical team providing aid to Africa. She specializes in acupuncture and brings her expertise to this important work.

Love knows no boundaries. The dispatch of medical teams, as one of China’s most enduring, extensive, and successful aid programs, is widely welcomed by the governments and people of recipient countries.

Hu Sha, who has been serving as an acupuncture doctor in Zimbabwe for two years, has garnered even greater attention. She stated, “Earning patients' trust is truly worth all the hard work.”

In Zimbabwe, where medical resources are scarce, acupuncture is highly popular among local residents for its significant therapeutic effects and rapid improvements—

After more than 20 days of acupuncture treatment by Hu Sha, a child with cerebral palsy not only could turn over independently but also sit up by himself, and the child’s intelligence and motor skills were close to normal after three months of treatment.

Currently, the Zimbabwe Chinese Acupuncture Center treats around 40 patients daily. The process from diagnosis to treatment requires a significant amount of time for the doctors at the center. Due to the importance of training local acupuncturists and promoting Chinese medical culture, Hu Sha has successfully trained two locals who are capable of providing basic acupuncture treatments.

Although local residents love and believe in Chinese medicine, their understanding of it is insufficient, primarily limited to acupuncture and cupping therapies. Hu Sha hopes to enhance the local influence of  traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) during her term by establishing the first “TCM Cultural Gallery” in Africa. With support from the First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, she is currently preparing for the “TCM Cultural Gallery” and an emergency acupuncture house in Zimbabwe.

Furthermore, Hu Sha, along with doctors Xiao Zhiqiang and Wang Minhua, set up a Traditional Chinese Medicine exhibit booth at the China Pavilion, representing the 21st dispatch of the Chinese (Hunan) Medical Team to Zimbabwe at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair. They displayed acupuncture human models, acupuncture tools, fire cups, and Chinese patent medicines, attracting extensive attention from local residents and international friends.

At the fair, Martha, one of Hu Sha’s patients, came to show her support. She had sought acupuncture treatment at the Chinese Acupuncture Center for chronic lower back pain and joint pain throughout her body. Because of the good effect, she recommended Chinese acupuncture to her family and friends, and organized 14 patients to the Center for treatment together. “When we heard that the Chinese medical team participated in the fair, we set off without hesitation. We not only hope to learn more about the culture of TCM, but also want to express our gratitude once again to Dr. Hu Sha and the Chinese medical team.” Martha said.

So far, the Zimbabwe Chinese Medicine Center has developed into the largest TCM center in southern Africa. It receives a continuous stream of patients daily, and Chinese medicine’s effectiveness and reputation have won widespread acclaim from the local populace. In her new term, Hu Sha has proposed establishing a branch of the TCM Center in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city.