By Mary Kabay
The celebration of World Traditional Medicine Day and the Double Ninth Festival at Fourah Bay College has underscored the growing collaboration between Sierra Leone and China in promoting traditional healing practices and their integration into modern healthcare systems.
The event, jointly organized by the Chinese (Hunan) 26th Medical Team and the Confucius Institute at the University of Sierra Leone (USL), brought together medical professionals, Government representatives, students and cultural partners. Among the key attendees was Richard Jinah Musa, Focal Person for Traditional and Complementary Medicine in the Ministry of Health, whose participation signaled the Government’s dedication to advancing traditional medicine in Sierra Leone’s health framework.
In his opening address, Liu Longfei, Captain of the 26th Chinese (Hunan) Medical Team, highlighted the significance of the celebration, marking the 34th anniversary of World Traditional Medicine Day. “Traditional medicine represents the collective wisdom of humanity in the pursuit of harmony and health,” he said, emphasizing the shared values between Chinese and Sierra Leonean healing traditions.
A representative from the Confucius Institute commended the event as a reflection of deep cultural understanding and mutual respect, describing it as “more than an exchange; it is a meeting of hearts.” The representative praised the Chinese medical team’s dedication to health promotion, stressing that both nations share the values of compassion, respect for elders and preservation of cultural heritage.
Guo Jianjun, Director of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Center, discussed how TCM is being practiced and adapted in Sierra Leone. He noted that the approach combines classical diagnostic techniques, such as pulse and tongue examination, with localized applications suited to the country’s health needs. He further explained that acupuncture, herbal therapy and therapeutic exercises have proven effective in treating pain, digestive problems and stress-related ailments.
Looking ahead, Director Guo Jianjun expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in the field of traditional medicine. “As global interest in traditional healing continues to grow, the partnership between Africa and China provides a solid foundation for knowledge exchange and improved health outcomes,” he said.
Richard Jinah Musa reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to institutionalizing and regulating traditional and complementary medicine. He emphasized that cultural and medical collaboration contributes to building a more inclusive and holistic healthcare system that benefits all citizens.
Various activities were featured , including Tai Chi, Baduanjin, tea art demonstrations, paper folding, traditional music and free medical check-ups, offering participants an opportunity to experience traditional wellness practices firsthand. “We hope you find both cultural enjoyment and health inspiration through these activities,” the Confucius Institute representative said.
The event concluded with a symbolic message from the Confucius Institute representative: “May the friendship between China and Sierra Leone be strong like a mountain, warm like healing herbs and lasting like time itself.”
The joint celebration not only strengthened the cultural bond between the two nations but also reaffirmed their shared vision of integrating traditional medicine into global health development; bridging the gap between culture and modern science for the benefit of humanity.
