A medical task force from China has just concluded a visit to Burkina Faso - the first of its kind in 24 years. Chinese medics discussed infrastructure and training needs with officials from the West African nation's Health Ministry. China and Burkina Faso recently resumed diplomatic relations.

With fewer than a-thousand doctors servicing a population of almost 20 million, Burkina Faso struggles to meet the medical need of its people.

NICOLAS MEDA PUBLIC HEALTH MINISTER, BURKINA FASO "You know China CDC is well known in the world, high capacity in terms of combating the epidemic, they express capacity in Sierra Leone, in Liberia during Ebola outbreak. We want to benefit from this area in putting together China CDC and Burkina Faso national public health institute. So this cooperation can be backed up by transfer of students from Burkina to China to learn how to care, how to combat epidemic, how to develop health."

Members of a Chinese task force have visited two local hospitals, where a medical team is due to work with their Burkinabe counterparts.

YONG FENG DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL, CHINA HEALTH COMMISSION "There had been a Chinese medical team working in Burkina Faso until 1994 when the two countries had cut their diplomatic relations. After the resumption of ties, we decided to send a task force as soon as possible to understand their needs in medical care and public health."

The first Chinese medical team is due in Burkina Faso soon. They will set up clinical service missions in three cities, including the capital, Ouagadougou. BO, CGTN.