In a heartwarming convergence of cultures and commitment to healthcare, a media delegation from Nauru visited the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center in Guangzhou, China, to meet the medical team that had recently brought the gift of sight to many in Nauru. Their visit marked the next chapter in the life-changing "Brightness Journey" medical mission, a powerful initiative that continues to impact communities across the world.
The "Brightness Journey": A mission of hope
From November 13 to 19, with the strong support and coordination of the Chinese government, the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center launched a medical mission called "Brightness Journey" to Nauru. As the first medical team to visit Nauru since the resumption of diplomatic ties between China and Nauru, this mission was a milestone for both countries.
During the week-long mission, the medical team treated over a hundred local patients, performing 23 successful cataract surgeries. In addition to cataract surgery, the team introduced cutting-edge medical procedures, including retinal laser surgery and pterygium removal, marking a significant breakthrough in Nauru's ophthalmic healthcare.
Bridging two countries: Nauru media delegation's visit
Now, only a few weeks after the medical mission, a media delegation from Nauru arrived in Guangzhou to visit the very doctors who had made the "Brightness Journey" possible.
Many delegation members had witnessed and covered the medical mission in person, including reporters Dominic Appi and Christsent Rokobuli from MKO Newspaper. As they arrived at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, the emotions ran high. For them, seeing the medical team again was both surreal and deeply moving.
"It's hard to believe that just a few weeks ago, these doctors were in Nauru, performing life-changing surgeries," said Dominic Appi, Creative Manager of MKO Newspaper. "One of our patients, after receiving cataract surgery, was so grateful. He was able to see again and even rode his bike back home after the operation. To see that kind of change in someone's life is incredibly touching."
The patients' stories were echoed by Christsent Rokobuli, a reporter and photographer for MKO Newspaper, who had also closely followed the mission in Nauru. "One of the patients was scared before the surgery, as he was the first one to undergo the procedure. But after the operation, he was relieved and happy. He could see again, and that gave him a new sense of freedom," Rokobuli shared.
The impact of the medical mission goes beyond the individual stories of patients. As a small island nation with limited medical resources, Nauru has struggled to meet the growing health needs of its population. But with China’s support, the "Brightness Journey" represents a hopeful future for more medical opportunities for Nauru. Both Dominic and Christsent expressed optimism for future collaborations between Nauru and China in the field of healthcare.
"We hope this visit can be the beginning of more cooperation in the medical field. There is so much more to be done, and we're excited about the possibilities," said Christsent. "This partnership opens doors for more medical resources and expertise to reach our island."
Reporter: Li Fangwang
Video: Pan Jiajun
Editor: Hu Nan, James, Shen He
