The Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Sierra Leone, together with the 27th Chinese medical team, provided medical supplies and free consultations to residents at the Waterloo Health Center, also known as Chris Brownley Wellness Center, in the Western Area Rural District of Sierra Leone on October 10.
This initiative was organized by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce with co-organization from the medical team and received operational support from Chinese enterprises, including Henan International. The goal of the event was to meet local healthcare needs and strengthen people-to-people ties between China and Sierra Leone.
Lu Yanghui, Secretary of the Economic and Commercial Administration of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, emphasized the importance of healthcare for the well-being of local communities. He urged medical staff to maintain high standards of care and called upon Chinese enterprises to act in accordance with local regulations while fulfilling their corporate social responsibility.
Fan Tao, a representative of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, stated that the chamber would continue to mobilize its member companies to support public health infrastructure while also helping Sierra Leonean agricultural products access international markets.
Li Zheng Confirms Team's Commitment to Providing Specialized Care
Li Zheng, head of the 27th Chinese medical team, affirmed the team's determination to provide specialized medical services in grassroots communities and promote clinical exchange with local healthcare workers. Mohammed Cherno Kabia, a former Member of Parliament, noted that the donated medicines and consultations helped address pressing healthcare issues in Waterloo.
Kiskama Fonba Swrai, Chief Medical Officer of the Western Area Rural District, highly praised the donation, noting that this was the second outreach initiative by the medical team in Waterloo. He expressed hope that future events would cover more remote areas of the district.
During the event, Chinese representatives handed over vital medications such as antibiotics, topical ointments, antimalarials, fever reducers, and surgical face masks. These supplies were delivered to the health center for clinical use.
The medical team conducted screenings for temperature, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels, and provided consultations in general medicine, ophthalmology, maternal and child health, and traditional Chinese medicine. Associates of Professor Shen Ze and Liang Guanghui examined patients with common internal diseases, including hypertension and gastrointestinal disorders.
At the ophthalmology station, Dr. Wang Jinwei checked residents for cataracts and other eye diseases, identifying patients suitable for the upcoming free cataract surgery program, 'Bright Journey.' This program is scheduled for December at the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital in Jui, and patients identified during the outreach will be considered for treatment.
In the maternal and child health section, medical personnel provided consultations and educational work on disease prevention. Associate Professor Li Duandan also administered acupuncture treatments to patients suffering from joint sprains and muscle aches. The team completed 200 patient consultations and screenings in the morning. Remaining medications were handed over to the health center administrators at the end of the event.
This outreach demonstrated the ongoing cooperation between Chinese medical professionals, businesses, and local health institutions in expanding access to essential medical services in Sierra Leone.