DAR ES SALAAM, July 27 (Xinhua) -- More than 50 residents of Zanzibar have regained their vision following a weeklong cataract surgery campaign conducted by the 34th Chinese medical team in Zanzibar.

Led by ophthalmologist Zhou Shi, the team performed over 50 successful cataract surgeries from July 21 to 25 despite limited equipment, language barriers, and intra-operative challenges.

One day after his procedure, patient Maulid Said Mohamed stood at a window, eyes filled with tears as he admired a tall coconut tree outside. "Chinese doctors are incredibly skilled," he repeated joyfully. "Thank you."

Beyond surgical precision, Zhou also led hands-on training for local medical staff, sharing advanced techniques and promoting long-term skill-building.

"Teaching someone to fish is better than giving them a fish," Zhou said. "Our goal is to leave behind an 'unremovable' medical team."

Ahmed Muumin, director of ophthalmology at the Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, expressed deep appreciation. "It's the Chinese doctors who helped sow the seeds of 'light' here in Zanzibar," he said.

Chen Wei, Chinese medical team leader, noted that the campaign forms a key part of the 2025 China-Zanzibar medical advancement plan. Since 1964, Chinese medical teams have treated millions across Zanzibar, restoring sight to thousands and strengthening humanitarian ties.

"This campaign reaffirms the enduring friendship and spirit of compassion behind China-Africa medical collaboration," Chen said. ■