By Josephine Sesay

 China and Sierra Leone have reaffirmed their longstanding friendship through a free medical outreach and donation of medicines and medical supplies to residents of Waterloo, highlighting the role of healthcare cooperation in strengthening bilateral relations.

The initiative, organised by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Sierra Leone in collaboration with the 27th Chinese Medical Team, took place on , at the Waterloo Community Health Centre. It brought together Chinese diplomatic representatives, medical professionals, business leaders, local health authorities and community members.

Held under the auspices of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, the programme was organised under the theme, “Working Together to Bring Our Peoples Closer and Build a Bridge of China-Sierra Leone Friendship.”

The outreach also formed part of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges, which seeks to promote mutual understanding and strengthen cooperation between China and African countries.

Representing the Chinese Embassy, Lu Yanghui reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening relations with Sierra Leone through practical initiatives that improve people’s lives.

He emphasised the importance of healthcare in human development, noting that the outreach demonstrated how cooperation could help address the health needs of local communities.

Lu also acknowledged President Julius Maada Bio’s attention to healthcare and described China as a committed partner in Sierra Leone’s development.

He urged healthcare professionals to uphold professionalism, dedication and compassion in treating patients.

He further encouraged Chinese enterprises operating in Sierra Leone to fulfil their social responsibilities, comply with local laws, create employment opportunities, protect the environment and contribute to community development.

He expressed confidence that continued collaboration would promote mutual understanding and further strengthen the friendship between the two countries.

Speaking on behalf of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Feng Tao described the medical outreach and donation of supplies as practical expressions of China-Sierra Leone friendship.

He said Chinese enterprises could contribute to Sierra Leone’s economic growth through investment, employment creation and trade. He also highlighted opportunities to expand trade in Sierra Leonean products, including coffee, cocoa and fish, through stronger economic 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 continued cooperation among medical professionals, businesses and young people would create opportunities, improve livelihoods and strengthen the relationship between the two nations for future generations.

Representing the 27th Chinese Medical Team, Li Zheng highlighted the team’s contribution to healthcare delivery and the importance of sustaining collaboration with Sierra Leonean health authorities.

During the outreach, residents benefited from general medical consultations, blood pressure measurements, blood sugar tests, consultations on women’s and children’s health, and eye screenings under the Bright Side programme.

Traditional Chinese medicine services, including acupuncture and massage, were also offered to participants.

In addition to providing medical services, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce donated medicines and medical supplies to support residents and strengthen healthcare delivery at the local health facility.

According to the organisers, the initiative was designed to bring essential medical services closer to the community, promote preventive healthcare and strengthen collaboration between Chinese medical professionals and Sierra Leonean health authorities.

Kiskama Fomba Swarray, Principal Public Health Superintendent for the Western Area Rural District, welcomed the initiative and encouraged residents of Waterloo and neighbouring communities to take advantage of the free medical services.

He said the outreach provided residents with access to medical attention while raising awareness about preventive healthcare and encouraging individuals to take greater responsibility for their health.

Swarray recalled the Chinese medical team’s previous visit in May, describing it as beneficial to the community. He expressed appreciation to the Chinese government, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the medical team for their continued support.

He also called on the organisers to expand future outreach programmes to accommodate more patients and extend medical services to additional communities across the district.

The Waterloo outreach highlights the importance of people-centred cooperation in translating the longstanding diplomatic relationship between China and Sierra Leone into practical benefits for local communities.

As the two countries mark 55 years of diplomatic relations, the initiative underscores the role of healthcare partnerships, community engagement and economic cooperation in deepening mutual understanding and strengthening friendship between their peoples.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 14th October 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)