PLA Navy hospital ship delivers first ‘auspicious baby’ during mission in Mauritania

The Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy hospital ship, Auspicious Ark, celebrated the birth of its first "auspicious baby" in Mauritania on Wednesday.

On Wednesday morning, a 34-year-old expectant mother was found to have an abnormal fetal position during a prenatal checkup at a local hospital. Local doctors advised her to seek help aboard the PLA hospital ship Auspicious Ark. She was subsequently rushed to the ship by a local ambulance.

The ship is currently undertaking the humanitarian medical service mission "Mission Harmony-2026" in Africa. It arrived at Friendship Port in Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania, on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a seven-day goodwill visit and providing medical services.

Medical staff on the ship immediately activated an emergency response protocol for pregnant women and prioritized her treatment. Examinations revealed that the fetus was in an abnormal position, and the woman also had pregnancy-induced hypertension, posing a relatively high risk during delivery.

After a comprehensive assessment, the medical team informed her of the potential risks and recommended a cesarean section. At 1:23 pm, a baby boy weighing 3.4 kilograms was safely delivered. When the interpreter informed her, "Both mother and baby are safe, and the baby is in good health," the mother smiled warmly and repeatedly expressed her gratitude in her local language.

Medical staff later examined the newborn and brought a baby blanket bearing the words "auspicious baby", along with a traditional Chinese red bellyband and other supplies, to the ward.

The entire Chinese medical team was delighted to learn of the birth of the first "auspicious baby" on the ship. "Crossing mountains and seas to welcome a new life — this is a truly meaningful day!" said Xu Xiaozhe, the lead surgeon.