Peng Liyuan, wife of President Xi Jinping, joined hands with the Organization of African First Ladies for Development to initiate a healthcare campaign for orphans in Africa ahead of International Children's Day, which fell on Thursday.

Under the initiative, representatives from Chinese embassies in African countries and Chinese medical teams sent to African countries will visit local orphanages or allied institutions to facilitate and conduct free physical check-ups. They will also bring the children care packages.

China is an everlasting friend and sincere partner of Africa, Peng said, noting that this year marks the 60th anniversary of China sending its first medical aid team to Africa.

Peng said that Chinese medical aid workers have actively provided assistance to local people in African countries and become "messengers in white" of China-Africa friendship.

She expressed hope that the campaign will bring warmth and care to African children, promote their wellbeing and contribute to building a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era.

Monica Geingos, first lady of Namibia and president of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development, and other members of the body highly appreciated Peng's long-term concern and support for the development of welfare projects for African women and children.

The presidents, first ladies and senior officials of African countries who attended local activities of the campaign said they were sincerely grateful to China for its selfless help and valuable support to Africa for decades. They said they expected Africa-China friendship to advance further, so that the two sides could create a better future together.

Since China sent its first medical team to the Algerian city of Saida in 1963, a total of 24,314 medical personnel have treated more than 227 million patients in Africa as of December last year, according to National Health Commission.