Melle Achata Ahamada Soilihi, a kindergarten teacher came to see Chinese doctors at Maarouf Hospital, the biggest hospital of Comros, an Indian Ocean island country.

"I always come to see Chinese doctors when I am ill," said the 31-year-old, who had a sore throat.

"I also advise my family members to come here when they are ill because Chinese doctors' technique is good and they are kind to patients," she said.

An 11-member Chinese medical team is working in Comoros, six at Maarouf, three at the Hospital of Hombo in Anjouan, another island of the country, and two on the smallest island of Moheli.

At the port of Anjouan, forklift operator Abdoul Anzize greeted Chinese surgeon Luo Guanggao, showing Luo his finger, which festered after an injury, and telling Luo the finger had fully recovered thanks to his treatment.

At another place of Anjouan, a driver volunteered to give oculist Lai Yunzhen a lift when he saw she couldn't get a taxi.

"This kind of thing is quite common here," said Qiao Shihui, head of the team, "we cannot remember each of our patients, but they usually remember us."

"Sometimes they send cassava or banana to me to show their gratitude," Qiao said.

China began to send doctors here in 1996. They need to pass a qualification exam to join the mission.

"We represent our country, we must have high standard," said obstetrician Huang Dongyun.

Last year, the team treated 17,601 person-times, conducted 2,734 operations, gave emergency treatment to 392 patients and trained 59 local doctors and nurses.

The health authorities of Comoros spoke highly of the Chinese team.

"They are always devoted to their work. They have rich experience and are nice to the patients. I don't know what the hospital would be like without them," said Msa Mliva Ahamada, Comoran national director of public health.