China will continue its 50 years of medical cooperation with African countries, focusing on helping the countries to improve their capacity to fight infectious diseases, according to China's top health authority.

China has sent 24,000 medical workers to 66 countries and regions, providing treatment to nearly 270 million people, since it sent its first medical team to assist developing countries in 1963, the National Health and Family Planning Commission said.

A total of 1,178 medical staff members from China are now working in 51 countries and regions, 42 of which are in Africa.