Chinese Hospital Ship Completes Medical Mission in Mauritania

The People's Liberation Army Navy hospital ship Auspicious Ark concluded a seven-day medical mission in Nouakchott, Mauritania, on September 22, 2026. The visit served as the first stop of Mission Harmony-2026, providing consultations, examinations, and community medical services to local residents.

Medical staff performed the first surgery of the voyage, a cesarean section for a patient with gestational hypertension and a breech-positioned baby, resulting in the birth of a boy. This marked the first baby born aboard the vessel since its commissioning. The ship's ophthalmology team also performed its first cataract surgery in Mauritania. Patient demand was high, with daily visits peaking between 1,400 and 1,600 on September 18.

Services included a strong emphasis on Traditional Chinese Medicine, utilizing acupuncture and cupping therapy to treat musculoskeletal problems. Specialists aboard the ship collaborated with the 36th Chinese medical team already stationed in Mauritania to conduct joint consultations in orthopedics and ophthalmology. The mission also included technical training, academic exchanges, and cultural activities intended to strengthen ties between China and Mauritania.