Hospital in Lusaka symbol of China's soft power in Zambia
Chinese firms' thirst for natural resources has spurred African nation's economic growth, but Beijing has also been winning hearts and minds
Joy Bwalya-Mwale, 16, had a baby tied to her back and an umbrella to protect her from the burning sun. The teenage mother had come for a check-up at the Levy Mwanawasa General Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia, where her daughter, Natalia, was born eight months ago.
She did not know who built the hospital. Told it was China, Bwayla-Mwale said: "I'm not surprised. When you give a gift, you have to give it with all your heart. China did it to help with our health facilities. I don't think it wants something in return."
Outside the white-walled hospital is a black plaque with gold lettering saying "China-Zambia Friendship Hospital, and a logo combining maps of Africa and China. The signs for the exits and fire hydrants are written in both English and Chinese.
Set in calm surroundings close to nature, the hospital opened in August 2011 and includes casualty, dental and maternity wards as well as laboratories. It has 159 beds, treats 2,600 patients and delivers 260 babies each month on average. Of its 455 staff, 11 are Chinese - all from Henan province.
It is the first general hospital in Lusaka province and has eased the pressure on the century-old University Teaching Hospital, the biggest in the country.
John Kachimba, medical superintendent and consultant urologist, said there had been talk of building a general hospital since he began practising two decades ago. It took the Chinese to come and get it done.
"I believe it was a gift from China," said Kachimba. "I think it was just a sign of friendship. They built this, they built a stadium in the copper belt."