In a remarkable opportunity to advance healthcare knowledge and foster international collaboration, two dedicated members of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ms. Aluwani Mudzweda and Mr. Tshepo Mohale from the Department of Advanced Nursing Sciences, recently attended an innovative training programme in China. The event, focused on Nursing Techniques for Developing Countries, was hosted in Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province. It welcomed participants from six developing countries—South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Zanzibar, Nepal, and Afghanistan—with 22 attendees in total.
L-R: Ms Mudzweda Aluwani, Ms ZHAO Lijun, Mr YANG Youshuai, Ms ZHU Lihua, Mr Yao Zhiqiang and Mr Mohale Tshepo
On photo: 22 attendees during the visit to the Great Wall of China
This programme provided an immersive learning experience designed to equip healthcare profes-sionals from across the globe with advanced knowledge and practical skills essential for improving healthcare systems in underdeveloped countries. During their stay in China, Ms Mudzweda and Mr Mohale had the opportunity to explore not only state-of-the-art healthcare practices but also the rich culture and history of the host nation.
The core of the training programme focused on crucial topics that addressed both clinical care and hospital management in developing countries, including: Hospital Management and the Evo-lution of Shanxi Medical University, Development of the Nursing Profession in China, Patient Safety and Quality Management in Hospitals, Infection Control and Occupational Health in Healthcare Settings, Career Planning and Professional Growth for Nurses, Management of Acute Trauma and Critically Ill Patients, Nutritional Care for Hospitalised Patients, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Setup and Management, Stroke Patient Care Strategies, International Collaboration and Nursing Research.
The programme offered participants the opportunity to engage with experts and peers from around the world, discussing the challenges and possibilities of enhancing healthcare systems, particularly in regions with limited resources. For Ms Mudzweda, the chance to deepen her understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was a highlight. “Having learnt more about China’s past, we can better appreciate the significance of TCM in their healthcare system. Observing techniques like acupuncture, cupping, scrubbing, and pulse diagnosis in practice was eye-opening,” she said.
A key takeaway from the experience was China’s advanced use of technology in healthcare. Mr Mo-hale noted that China’s health system is highly modernised compared to many developing nations, especially through multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams.
“Hospital stays in China are notably shorter due to their cutting-edge therapeutic systems, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in diagnosis and treatment, particularly in psychiatry, stands as a global leader,” he commented.
Both participants also observed that, while China is a developing nation, its hospitals are equipped with sophisticated technologies and a highly trained workforce, which has contributed to improved patient outcomes. Yet, despite these advances, Ms Mudzweda and Mr Mohale highlighted that dif-ferences remain in the nursing curriculum and organisational structures between China and their home country.
The programme also included visits to several medical institutions in Taiyuan and Beijing, which provided further hands-on exposure. Among the sites visited were the Balingqiao Community Hos-pital, Health Service Centres, and Shanxi Medical University’s First Hospital, where Ms Mudzwe-da and Mr Mohale explored departments such as: Cardiology Rehabilitation, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Intensive Care Units (ICU), Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Geriatrics and Neurology.
22 attendees and nursing managers during the First Hospital Shanxi Medical University visit
Their clinical visits offered an inside look at how these institutions operate, allowing them to better understand the integration of technology, patient care protocols, and multidisciplinary collabora-tion in China’s healthcare system.
Both colleagues were deeply impacted by the discussions around common healthcare challeng-es in both China and their home countries, such as malnutrition, trauma, and stroke. The elderly population in China, like in many countries, is particularly vulnerable to malnutrition, noted Ms Mudzweda. Additionally, they learned that road accidents, mining accidents, industrial injuries, and violence are the leading causes of trauma in China, while stroke has become the leading cause of death from illness.
For Mr Mohale, the experience underscored the importance of shared learning. “Our time in Chi-na has deepened our understanding of the healthcare challenges we face in our country and has opened up conversations about new approaches and solutions,” he reflected.
On photo: Theatre visit
In addition to their professional growth, Ms Mudzweda and Mr Mohale expressed a deep appreci-ation for the cultural exchange that took place during their time in China. “We are grateful for the opportunity to establish enduring friendships and to explore potential collaborations for research and publications with China and other countries,” Ms Mudzweda stated. Both participants are ea-ger to translate their new knowledge into real-world improvements in South Africa and beyond.
The programme’s success was made possible through the support of numerous stakeholders. Both Ms Mudzweda and Mr Mohale extended their heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese government, especially Mr Yuchen Wang and Ms Susie Yang, for their hospitality and invaluable contributions to the programme. Appreciation was also directed towards the University of Venda, including Dr Robert Martin, Prof Tshilidzi Mulaudzi, and Dr Thivhulawi Malwela, as well as other key individuals who supported the journey.
Prof Tshilidzi Mulaudzi, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, also offered her thanks, emphasising the importance of international exposure for staff. “Investing in staff development through global experiences ensures that they stay abreast of global advancements, challenges, and opportunities within their professions,” she remarked.
This transformative experience in China not only equipped Ms Mudzweda and Mr Mohale with advanced knowledge and techniques but also laid the groundwork for future collaboration and research between China, South Africa, and other developing nations. Their journey highlights the critical importance of cross-cultural learning and the global exchange of healthcare knowledge in improving healthcare systems worldwide.
For both nurses, this experience represents a pivotal moment in their careers, one that will un-doubtedly contribute to their continued professional growth and to the broader development of nursing practices in their home country and beyond.
Issued by:
Department Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
