By Foday Moriba Conteh
In commemorating World Malaria Day which is an international observance commemorated every year on the 25thApril and recognizes global efforts to control malaria across the globe, the 24th batch of China Medical Team to Sierra Leone has on Tuesday 25th April, 2023 held a one day free Malaria clinic for residents of Waterloo. The event, which was held at Waterloo Community Centre, brought together residents form Waterloo and its environs who benefited from the free clinic. The Free Clinic included free malaria consultation, test, treatment and medicines.
Speaking to this medium, the Team Leader of the 24th Batch of Chinese Medical Team, Dr. Chen Yongjun, said that World Malaria Day is an international observance commemorated every year on the 25th April and recognizes global efforts to control malaria and in that regard the 24th batch of China Medical Team to Sierra Leone deemed it fit to undertake a one day free Malaria clinic for residents of Waterloo.
He said that Malaria is controllable of which he said that during the event they also used the opportunity to educate community residents on the importance of keeping their communities clean which he said is one of the ways to prevent malaria.
Dr. Chen Yongjun said that during the event they also distributed mosquito spray, mosquito coil, malaria medicines etc. to residents as a way to prevent them from malaria.
He informed residents that even though they might have contracted malaria they should not be worried because it is curable and that they should visit the China Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital where they have specialists that can treat them well.
Dr. Chen Yongjun maintained that the 24th batch of Chinese Medical Team consists of 21 members, and their specialties cover internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, obstetrics, otolaryngology, ophthalmology and many other specialties of which he encouraged all to visit the facility.
He said that this year they will witness the 50th anniversary of medical help to Sierra Leone, adding that they will do their best towards using their skills and knowledge to support the development of the hospital.
The Team Leader said that they are with the strong conviction that they can solve the health problem of Sierra Leoneans, adding that they will also train the local staff at the facility in order to improve on their skills in their different areas of specialty which he said will build a stronger development for the hospital.
He concluded by expressing appreciation to the Headman of the Waterloo Community, the China Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital, and the community residents, social workers etc. who supported them in order to make the event a success.
The Headman of Waterloo Community, Leslie Whenzle expressed appreciation to the 24th batch of China Medical Team to Sierra Leone for considering the Waterloo community to benefit from the free malaria clinic in commemoration of this year’s World Malaria Day.
He said that during the free clinic residents benefited from free malaria consultation, test and medicines.
Leslie Whenzle said that April 25 is World Malaria Day which is an opportunity for people around the world to learn more about the disease of which he said the education on malaria prevention by the 24th batch of China Medical Team to Sierra Leone is very important.
He called on residents to make good use of the education and medicine provided to them during the event in order to prevent themselves from contracting malaria.
