A Chinese naval hospital ship, the Auspicious Ark, is scheduled to arrive in Abidjan from Oct. 14 to 21 as part of the Harmony Mission 2026, offering free medical consultations and specialised treatment to people in Côte d’Ivoire.

The vessel is operated by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy and is carrying out a wider medical and goodwill mission in Africa. It arrived in Dakar on Sept. 25, its first visit to Senegal, where it began providing medical services.

In Côte d’Ivoire, the mission is being organised in cooperation with the country's military health services. Registration for patients is free but mandatory before accessing the services. Registrations are scheduled to close on Sept. 30.

People can register at the Abidjan Military Hospital, military health centres and health facilities operated by the national police, customs, maritime affairs, and water and forestry services.

The medical teams aboard the ship will provide a range of consultations and treatments. Ivorian military authorities said particular attention would be given to obstetrics and gynaecology and ophthalmology.

The services are expected to include deliveries and Caesarean sections, as well as cataract surgery, all free of charge for eligible patients. Other services include general medicine, surgery and dental care.

The Abidjan stop is part of the Chinese Navy's Harmony Mission 2026, which combines medical assistance with broader military and diplomatic exchanges. The Auspicious Ark has been visiting African countries as part of the mission, including Mauritania and Senegal.

The ship's arrival in Côte d’Ivoire comes as Abidjan and Beijing continue to expand bilateral cooperation, including in the health and defence sectors.

For residents seeking treatment during the visit, registration remains the required first step before arrangements are made for access to the medical services aboard the vessel.