Temperatures averaged about 46 degrees centigrade where Liu Guizhi worked in Cameroon from 1998 to 2000. The 43-year-old gynecologist from the northern mining province of Shanxi, said not only was the food boring, but the medical facilities were poor. And many patients were ignorant.

"Most women won't see a doctor until their problem become unbearable. And normally that means it's already too late," says Liu, who lived off potatoes and onions with her team of 12 medical workers in Guider County, northern Cameroon.

"I learned a lot professionally from performing 974 operations, and treating 9,786 women patients with diseases rarely seen in Chinese women."

Her most challenging moment during those two years came in the form of a nine-month pregnant woman arrived at theater with a baby in an extremely rare and dangerous position outside the uterus.

"When we delivered the baby, blood burst forth so violently that I used up seven cloths. After an exhausting three hours, I thought we could at best only save the baby.

"It's a miracle that the mother endured too. I was so overwhelmed when the mom gazed at me with her big black radiant eyes 10 hours later."

Such demanding conditions brought the best out of Liu.

"It's rewarding for a doctor," she said. "The numerous intricate cases challenged my ability. And because of this challenge, my professional skills were greatly enhanced."

Like many other medical workers before her, Liu still feels a special bond.

"Though hustling and bustling all day, I feel my life in Africa was substantial and meaningful. As transient as life is, the experience was something to treasure."

She now works as director of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the Maternity and Pediatric Hospital of Changzhi City, Shanxi, which has cooperated with Guider County for 30 years.

DEATH

Incidence of HIV/AIDS is 40 percent in Guider. AIDS, malaria and cholera continue to haunt the continent.

"It sometimes feels like life is hanging by a thread," said Liu.

Dr. Duan experienced something of the same feeling firsthand when he cut his finger with a scalpel during an operation on a potentially HIV-infected person.

"It was mental torture, alternating between terror and hope. I thought if I am AIDS infected, I will stay here and work until my death comes."

The blood test came out negative.