Hassan Magulumali
A Chinese doctor working in Tanzania has died a hero after sacrificing his life to save a drowning woman. Dr. Zhang Junqiao, aged 38, was part of the Chinese Medical Team serving in the country as part of ongoing health cooperation between China and Tanzania.
The tragic incident occurred on June 15, when Dr. Zhang noticed a woman struggling in the water and jumped in to rescue her. While the woman survived, Dr. Zhang sadly drowned during the rescue attempt.
Dr. Zhang, known among colleagues and locals for his deep compassion and dedication, often said, “Life is what I value most. If I can save one, I will.” That guiding principle marked his years of medical service, outreach work, and humanitarian efforts in Tanzania.
In addition to performing surgeries and teaching at local hospitals, Dr. Zhang led mobile outreach clinics in remote areas where access to healthcare is limited. He spent much of his free time volunteering in local communities, offering free consultations and supporting health awareness campaigns.
When praised, Dr. Zhang would humbly respond, “It doesn’t matter if you remember me. We are the Chinese medical team.” His selflessness and humility earned him the respect of both Tanzanian citizens and international colleagues.
The Embassy of China in Tanzania and the Ministry of Health (Tanzania) have expressed their condolences, praising Dr. Zhang’s courage and lifelong dedication to saving lives. His death is being mourned both in Tanzania and in China, where his story has drawn heartfelt tributes across social media and news outlets.
Though Dr. Zhang is gone, his legacy continues through every life he touched and through the medical team still on the ground in Tanzania, continuing the mission he so passionately embraced.
His passing serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by healthcare workers around the world who risk everything to protect and serve others—often far from home, yet deeply connected by their humanity.
