NIGERIA, CHINA DEEPEN HEALTH PARTNERSHIP AHEAD OF CHINESE NAVAL HOSPITAL SHIP VISIT
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, says the planned visit of the Chinese Navy Hospital Ship, Auspicious Ark, to Nigeria will strengthen bilateral health cooperation between Nigeria and China.
Speaking during the Interagency Coordination Meeting on the visit in Abuja, the Minister described the initiative as an important step in deepening relations between both countries through humanitarian medical services and people-to-people engagement.
The Chinese Navy Hospital Ship, Auspicious Ark (Hull 868), is scheduled to visit Lagos from November 10 to 17, 2026, to undertake proposed humanitarian medical activities. The visit is expected to provide opportunities for medical services, knowledge exchange and closer collaboration between health professionals from both countries, with relevant Federal and State authorities working together to coordinate the mission.
Professor Pate commended the Lagos State Government for its preparations and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the planned medical interventions. He said the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, alongside the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and other stakeholders, were aligned on the necessary arrangements.
The Minister also expressed optimism that the engagement would promote mutual learning and further strengthen health-sector cooperation, while noting that the health and well-being of Nigerians remain a priority across all levels of healthcare.
