COURTESY PHOTO

Tell us about the TCM project and why you applied for it?

The TCM clinic was set up at the Muhimbili National Hospital in June 2007. The clinic not only provides free Chinese medicine for HIV/AIDS patients, but also provides non-HIV/AIDS outpatient service. Back in 2008, I was the only one in my hospital who applied for this program. Africa is a land of mystery and wonder for me. I love to travel to different places and explore new things.

How is TCM received in Tanzania? Does it work effectively for African patients?

Because African patients are sensitive [to TCM], a small dose of medicine works effectively in treatment. Tanzanian patients feel that Chinese medicine is easier to use and the price is also reasonable. Around 80 to 100 patients came to the TCM clinic every month. During the 18 months [I was there], we received over 1,500 patients who came from all walks of life.

[With HIV/AIDS] TCM is mainly targeted at protecting patients' immune systems, and it relieves symptoms such as anemia and diarrhea. Although none was cured, 75 percent of the patients have seen their health and quality of life improve.

What was it like working in Tanzania?

The working environment is much more relaxed there. In China, I only have 10 minutes per patient, whereas in Tanzania I had 20 to 30 minutes to diagnose, exam and talk with patients. The treatment was more targeted and specific and there was mutual trust [between my patients and I]. With the help of my colleague Dr. Naomi Mpemba, who speaks Chinese, English and Swahili, I communicated effectively with patients. I also gave them my phone number and email so that I could help them whenever they need me.   

You documented 19 kinds of chronic diseases treated by TCM in detail in your final clinical report. Why did you do this?

I submitted the report to the TCM clinic and Tanzania's Ministry of Health so that Chinese doctors can have a reference when they are sent to work there in the future. No matter whether the treatment worked effectively or not, the records document my diagnosis and treatment.

Are you doing any knowledge exchanges with Tanzanian doctors?

There are many folk doctors practicing traditional medicine [in Tanzania]. But unlike TCM, there is no formal theoretical system. In 2009, cooperation between local doctors and Chinese doctors strengthened to develop Tanzanian traditional herbs. We discussed the theory and mechanisms behind TCM, applying treatment by differentiating syndromes.

Compared to Western medicine, what is the value behind TCM?

TCM tries to find "friends" within the human body, and stimulates the patient's own upright qi, energy that prevents external pathogenic invasions from entering the body. The goal of Western medicine is to find "enemies" and kill bacteria or viruses by using chemicals. TCM combines many kinds of herbs to exert greater effect, regulates the body's internal environment, [helping it to] regain its balance.  

Learn more about Dr. Li's treatment stories at http://dr.libo.vip.blog.163.com