Sierra Leone, China Strengthen Ties with Free Medical Outreach in Waterloo
Alusine Ahmed Kargbo China and Sierra Leone have highlighted their longstanding friendship through a free medical outreach and donation of medicines and medical supplies to residents of Waterloo, demonstrating the importance of healthcare cooperation in strengthening bilateral relations.
The initiative, organised by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Sierra Leone and the 27th Chinese Medical Team to Sierra Leone, took place on Saturday, October 10, at the Waterloo Community Health Centre. The event 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.” It also formed part of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges, which aims to promote mutual understanding and strengthen cooperation between China and African countries.
Representing the Chinese Embassy, Lu Yanghui reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Sierra Leone through practical cooperation and initiatives that improve people’s lives.
He emphasised the importance of healthcare to human development and said the outreach demonstrated the value of cooperation in addressing community health needs. He also acknowledged President Julius Maada Bio’s attention to healthcare and described China as a committed partner in Sierra Leone’s development.
Lu urged healthcare professionals to uphold professionalism, dedication and compassion in treating patients. He also encouraged Chinese enterprises operating in Sierra Leone to fulfil their social responsibilities, comply with local laws, create employment opportunities and contribute to environmental protection and community development.
He expressed confidence that continued cooperation 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 free medical outreach and donation of medical 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 between the two countries.
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 among medical professionals, businesses and young people would continue to create opportunities, improve livelihoods and strengthen the friendship 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 cooperation with Sierra Leonean health authorities.
The outreach provided residents with 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.
In addition to the medical services, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce donated medicines and medical supplies to support residents and strengthen healthcare delivery at the local facility.
The organisers said the initiative was intended to bring essential medical services closer to the community while promoting preventive healthcare and cooperation 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 access to medical attention while raising awareness about preventive healthcare and encouraging residents 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 role 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 importance of healthcare partnerships, community engagement and economic cooperation in deepening mutual understanding and strengthening friendship between their peoples.