Chinese chamber of commerce, 27th Chinese medical team deliver medical aid in local community in Sierra Leone

The China Chamber of Commerce in Sierra Leone and the 27th Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone jointly provided medical supplies and free clinical consultations to residents at the Waterloo Community Health Center, also known as the Chris Brownlie Wellness Center, in the Western Area Rural District in Sierra Leone on Oct. 10.

The initiative, organized by the China Chamber of Commerce with the medical team as co-organizer, received operational support from Chinese enterprises, including Henan International. It aimed to address local healthcare needs and strengthen people-to-people ties between China and Sierra Leone.

Chinese and Sierra Leonean representatives hand over emergency medical kits and donated supplies in front of the health center. (Photo provided to People's Daily Online)

Lu Yanghui, secretary of the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, said healthcare was essential to the well-being of local communities. He encouraged medical professionals to maintain high standards of care and called on Chinese enterprises to operate in compliance with local regulations while fulfilling their corporate social responsibilities.

Feng Tao, a representative of the China Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber would continue mobilizing its member companies to support community healthcare infrastructure while helping Sierra Leonean agricultural products access international markets.

Li Zheng, leader of the 27th Chinese medical team, reaffirmed the team's commitment to bringing specialized medical services to grassroots communities and promoting clinical exchanges with local healthcare professionals.

Former Member of Parliament Mohamed Cherno Kabia said the donated medicines and consultations addressed pressing healthcare needs in Waterloo.

Kiskama Fomba Swarray, principal public health superintendent for the Western Area Rural District, commended the donation and noted that it was the medical team's second outreach initiative in Waterloo. He expressed hope that future activities would reach more remote communities across the district.

Associate Professors Sheng Jie and Lian Guanghui examine a patient and verify medications at the consultation desk. (Photo provided to People's Daily Online)

During the event, Chinese representatives handed over essential medical supplies, including antibiotics, topical ointments, antimalarial drugs, fever-reducing medicines and surgical face masks. The supplies were transferred to the health center for clinical use.

The medical team conducted temperature, blood pressure and blood glucose screenings and provided consultations in general medicine, ophthalmology, maternal and child health, and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Associate Professors Sheng Jie and Lian Guanghui assessed patients with common internal medical conditions, including hypertension and gastrointestinal disorders. At the ophthalmology station, physician Wang Jinwei screened residents for cataracts and other eye conditions, identifying eligible patients for the upcoming “Bright Journey” free cataract surgery program.

Associate Professor Li Duandan administers acupuncture treatment as a local health worker observes the technique. (Photo provided to People's Daily Online)

The program is scheduled to begin in December at the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital in Jui, with patients identified during the outreach to be considered for treatment.

In the maternal and child health section, medical personnel provided consultations and preventive health education. Associate Professor Li Duandan also administered acupuncture treatments to patients experiencing joint strain and musculoskeletal pain.

The team completed 200 patient consultations and screenings during the morning. Remaining medical supplies were handed over to health center administrators at the end of the activity.

The outreach highlighted ongoing cooperation between Chinese medical professionals, businesses and local healthcare institutions in expanding access to essential medical services in Sierra Leone.

Group photo of Chinese and Sierra Leonean representatives, medical team members, and local residents outside the health center. (Photo provided to People's Daily Online)