Tunisia has launched construction of a China-aided cancer treatment center in Gabès, marking a new step in health cooperation between the two countries and expanding access to specialized cancer care in southeastern Tunisia.
The groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday brought together Tunisian health officials and representatives of the Chinese Embassy, who described the project as a concrete expression of the longstanding friendship and growing cooperation between Tunisia and China.
Walid Naija, director general of health at Tunisia’s Ministry of Health, said the project reflects the high level of mutual trust between the two countries. Once completed, the center is expected to make high-quality cancer treatment and care more accessible to communities in southeastern Tunisia.
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Liang Gang, counselor in charge of economic and commercial affairs at the Chinese Embassy in Tunisia, said the start of construction demonstrates the two countries’ commitment to strengthening practical cooperation.
He expressed hope that Chinese and Tunisian teams would work closely to ensure the center is completed to high standards and becomes a flagship project of China-Tunisia cooperation, benefiting communities across the region.
The facility will cover approximately 4,000 square meters and will include a day hospital, radiotherapy facilities, a pathology laboratory and other supporting infrastructure.
The project is expected to strengthen Tunisia’s healthcare capacity while reducing the need for patients in the southeast to travel long distances to access specialized cancer services.
The launch adds a healthcare dimension to the broader relationship between Tunisia and China, with the new facility positioned as both a medical investment and a symbol of bilateral cooperation.