Like many countries across Africa and beyond, Burundi's health sector still faces some challenges, including inadequate medical personnel and equipment.

The country's health authorities are however keen to improve the sector, and they have teamed up with China to avail better medical services.

In its cooperation with China, Burundi receives medical experts each year to provide specialized services to the country's citizens. China also funded the building of Gitega Hospital in Burundi and equipped it with state-of-the-art equipment.

The current batch of Chinese doctors deployed in Burundi is the 19 team, and is made up of 29 doctors.

"Out of our 29 people there are 23 specialists. Their specialties include internal medicine, gastrointestinal surgery, orthopedics, obstetrics, oncology, pediatrics, acupuncture & moxibustion, ophthalmology, internal medicine (repeated), radiology and ultrasound. So we have all the major functions of any hospital more or less covered," Luo Pengli, the team leader of the 19 batch of medical doctors in Burundi, told CGTN in an interview.

Since it was built in 2011, Gitega hospital has grown to become one of Burundi's biggest health facilities, serving thousands of people every month.

The Chinese doctors – even though they are miles away from home – are excited about the opportunity to serve in Africa.

"One of the biggest benefits to working here in Burundi has been the opportunity to be of service to so many people. China and Burundi are all-weather friends, so we as doctors of course want to do all we can to make sure that our skills and experiences are not only made useful for people in China but also for people here in Africa. To be able make use of my skills and knowledge here has truly made me happy," Ma Xiaoming, a surgeon said.

Gitega Hospital stands as a mark of strong China-Burundi relations, which continues to grow from strength to strength.

China has also helped Burundi in other sectors apart from the medical assistance, including a rice farming program and the construction of a hydro-power station that is expected to boost the country's electricity supply by some 30 percent.