Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Sierra Leone and the 27th Chinese Medical Team to Sierra Leone have strengthened China-Sierra Leone relations through a free medical outreach and donation of medicines and medical supplies to residents at Waterloo Community Health Center in the Western Area Rural District.
The initiative, held on Saturday, October 10, brought together Chinese diplomatic representatives, medical professionals, business leaders, local health authorities and community members in a joint effort to improve access to basic healthcare and reinforce the long-standing friendship between Sierra Leone and China.
Organised under the auspices of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, the programme was held under the theme, “Working Together to Bring Our Peoples Closer and Build a Bridge of China-Sierra Leone Friendship.” It also formed part of 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges, an initiative intended to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen practical cooperation between the two countries.
In her opening address, Zhou Jienan, a nurse and translator for the 27th Chinese Medical Team, welcomed the distinguished guests and expressed appreciation to the Chinese Embassy, the medical team, Chinese enterprises, local authorities and community members for supporting the programme.
She said the gathering demonstrated a shared commitment to improving community healthcare and promoting closer relations between the peoples of Sierra Leone and China.
Representing the Chinese Embassy, Lu Yanghui reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and supporting initiatives that improve the well-being of Sierra Leoneans.
He emphasised that healthcare remained fundamental to human development and quality of life, noting that the medical outreach demonstrated China’s interest in supporting local health services and responding to the needs of communities.
Lu also acknowledged President Julius Maada Bio’s attention to healthcare and described China as a committed partner in advancing cooperation with Sierra Leone.
He outlined three key messages, urging healthcare professionals to uphold professionalism, dedication and compassion in treating patients; calling on Chinese enterprises to fulfil their social responsibilities, obey local laws, create employment opportunities and contribute to environmental protection and community development; and reassuring Sierra Leoneans of China’s commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations.
He expressed confidence that initiatives of this nature would promote mutual understanding and ensure that the friendship between the two countries continued to grow.
Representing the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Feng Tao, described the joint free clinic and donation of medicines as practical expressions of friendship, arguing that the benefits of international cooperation should be felt by ordinary people in their daily lives.
He said Chinese enterprises operating in Sierra Leone could contribute to employment creation, economic growth and national development. He also highlighted opportunities for Sierra Leonean products, including coffee, cocoa and fish, to tap into international markets through strengthened China-Sierra Leone trade cooperation.
Feng stressed that the strength of bilateral relations should be measured not only by diplomatic agreements and commercial activities but also by tangible improvements in people’s lives.
He expressed hope that cooperation between doctors, businesses and young people would continue to improve livelihoods, create opportunities and strengthen the friendship between the two nations for generations to come.
Free Medical Services for Waterloo Residents
Representing the the 27th China Medical Team, Li Zheng highlighted the contribution of the China Medical Team and the importance of sustaining the long-standing partnership between the two countries.
The medical outreach provided a range of services, including general health checks, blood pressure measurements, blood sugar tests, consultations on women’s and children’s health, and eye screening under the Bright Side programme.
The medical team also offered traditional Chinese medicine treatments, including acupuncture and massage.
The services were intended to improve access to basic medical attention, encourage preventive healthcare and raise awareness of the importance of taking responsibility for personal health.
In addition to the consultations and screenings, Chinese Chamber of Commerce donated medicines and medical supplies to support residents and strengthen the capacity of the local health facility.
The organisers said the programme was designed to bring essential healthcare services closer to communities while encouraging cooperation between Chinese medical professionals and Sierra Leonean health authorities.
Health Official Calls for Expanded Outreach
Kiskama Fomba Swarray, Principal Public Health Superintendent for the Western Area Rural District, welcomed the initiative and encouraged residents of Waterloo and surrounding communities to take advantage of the free medical services.
He said the outreach was important not only because it provided medical attention but also because it raised public awareness and encouraged residents to take greater responsibility for their health.
He called on the organisers to consider expanding future outreach programmes to accommodate more patients and extend medical services to additional communities across the district.
Swarray recalled the Chinese medical team’s previous visit in May, describing it as well-coordinated and beneficial to the community. He expressed appreciation to the Chinese government, Chinese Chamber Of Commerce and Chinese medical team, for their continued support, while urging them to sustain and expand the partnership.
The Waterloo outreach underscores the role of health cooperation and community-focused initiatives in strengthening China-Sierra Leone relations as the two countries mark 55 years of diplomatic ties.
Through free consultations, health screenings and donations of medicines and medical supplies, the organisers sought to address immediate healthcare needs while supporting local health services.
The call by the district health official for broader coverage and earlier public communication also highlighted the importance of ensuring that future programmes reach more residents and deliver lasting benefits to communities across the Western Area Rural District.
