Returning to Yushu: A Commitment to Health
From August 9 to 18, 2025, United Foundation for China’s Health (UFCH), together with China News Healthy and China News Charity, carried out breast and cervical cancer screenings and free medical services in Yushu’s high-altitude region. This effort was supported by Professor Qiao Youlin’s team at the School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Peking Union Medical College, as well as the Women’s Federation of Chengduo County, the Chengduo County Health Bureau, and the Chengduo County Gazhong Charity Association.
After completing the 2024 screening and free clinic activities in Yushu, UFCH’s follow-up visits and treatments deepened the team’s understanding of what it means to bring healthcare to truly remote regions. For local residents—many of whom work long hours as herders and have limited access to medical services—these visits offer not only rare opportunities for nearby consultation, but potential turning points in their long-term health. The question “How can we help them more effectively?” stayed with every volunteer. Through repeated discussions, enhanced preparation of medical supplies, upgraded equipment, and a broader scope of services, the team returned to Yushu a year later—driven by mission, compassion, and a commitment to deliver care even further into the region.
To ensure professional and efficient services, UFCH assembled a team of more than 20 medical professionals from United Family hospitals across the country. Many had prior experience working in high-altitude or low-resource areas, representing specialties such as obstetrics and gynecology, emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, and laboratory sciences. The event also received strong technical support from experts including Professor Qiao Youlin and Dr. Li Anhua, Ultrasound Medical Director of United Family Healthcare, who provided remote real-time consultations and guidance to ensure diagnostic accuracy and scientific rigor.
In close collaboration with local Tibetan volunteers, the team continuously refined screening and consultation workflows. In the treatment area, United Family doctors not only provided diagnoses and care but also offered hands-on demonstrations and real-time explanations to local health workers. This practical mentorship ensured smooth operations while strengthening clinical capability at the grassroots level—laying a foundation for sustainable, high-quality healthcare in pastoral communities.
In the free clinic area, many herders shared long histories of stomach pain without ever having undergone gastroscopy or colonoscopy. While performing abdominal ultrasounds, UFH physicians actively introduced these procedures and offered health education, aiming to raise awareness, encourage healthier habits, and help residents seek timely care for long-standing issues.
By the end of the event in Xiewu Town, 950 women had received cervical cancer screenings. Among those with positive results, 106 returned for colposcopy and nearly 90 received treatment. Nearly 600 women received breast ultrasounds, and 17 remote ultrasound consultations were completed. A total of 370 patients received free health check-ups. The team also followed up on positive cases from Zhenqin Town and Zhaduo Town screened in 2024, achieving an 81% return rate. Among these, 34 women underwent colposcopy and 5 received treatment. Altogether, the 2025 screenings and free clinics benefited more than 2,100 local residents.
UFCH will continue to support follow-up care and remains committed to advancing the “Five Outreach” initiatives in charitable culture. With sustained effort, the foundation aims to bring high-quality, accessible healthcare to more people living in remote regions—protecting their health today and strengthening their futures for years to come.