The film "Out of Africa" speaks of leaving, but the Taiwanese medical team is entering Africa, diving into the relatively unknown territory of Somaliland. This medical diplomatic mission began with a memorandum of cooperation, culminating in four medical team members traveling over 8,000 kilometers. It is not just a journey of medical aid but a comprehensive intertwining of systems, cultures, and international dynamics in the form of "medical diplomacy."

This journey traces back to 2021 when Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed a medical cooperation agreement with the Republic of Somaliland, deploying a permanent medical team to support the local healthcare system. The overall plan, executed in partnership with Taipei Medical University and Wan Fang Hospital, includes clinical medical services, capacity building for local healthcare personnel, community public health prevention, and patient referral services.

Dr. Su Ying-shih, appointed as the head of the medical team, is responsible for assisting in the establishment and operation of the local healthcare system. The budget for this mission, which is part of an official medical aid project, is fully funded by the Taiwanese government. The personnel dispatched include doctors, nurses, administrative staff, and technical support staff, aimed at long-term residency rather than merely short-term assistance, seeking to establish a sustainable cooperation mechanism.

With limited resources provided by the Somaliland side, the team initially had to find accommodation by themselves, and transportation was supplemented by Taiwanese support. Initially, even the power supply and internet were unstable, with basic transport assistance and introductions, while most administrative and medical connections had to be gradually established by the medical team themselves.

The locals have expressed appreciation for the belief that "Taiwan can help." In addition to collaborations with the local health department and a few hospitals, Dr. Su has actively sought connections with universities and local NGOs. He observed that the locals generally hold a respectful and grateful attitude towards the "Taiwanese medical team." Some individuals have come specifically to express their thanks upon learning that the medical team was there to help, and staff from international organizations have stated, "We know you are from Taiwan, thank you for coming."

Currently, the Taiwanese medical team is the only humanitarian aid group actually present in Somaliland. In contrast to other international organizations or countries that provide resources but do not send personnel, Taiwan’s long-term presence not only fills the gap in medical personnel but also allows the Somaliland people to genuinely feel the existence and warmth of assistance.