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The 25th Chinese Medical Team from Hunan Province, led by Dr. Chen Zhihui, has initiated a pioneering cervical cancer screening program across Freetown and nearby areas, marking a major advance in healthcare for women in Sierra Leone.
This program, the first of its kind in the country, introduces high-precision HPV screening technology, which significantly enhances cervical cancer detection accuracy and sensitivity.
The initiative, backed by the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health’s Disease Prevention and Control Center and the United Nations Population Fund, aims to improve early detection and reduce cervical cancer mortality, which remains a leading cause of death among women in Sierra Leone.
Over the past month, Dr. Chen, Nurse Liu Xue, and their team conducted nearly 20 screening events, reaching over 600 women, including high-risk groups such as HIV-positive women who face an increased risk of cervical cancer.
Employing Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology, the team has implemented a faster and more precise method to detect high-risk HPV types. This technology, new to the region, lowers the likelihood of missed diagnoses—an essential improvement in a country with limited resources for cancer screening.
While the team faced challenges, including inconsistent power supplies, they implemented contingency plans to ensure that each participant could complete the screening process without interruption. “The aim is not only to detect cases early but also to educate women on preventive measures,” said Dr. Chen. As part of the initiative, women learn about cervical cancer risk factors and the importance of regular screenings and HPV vaccinations.
This initiative, which includes plans to train local healthcare providers, is set to build a sustainable healthcare model for cervical cancer prevention in Sierra Leone. By empowering women through education and access to healthcare, the program is reshaping attitudes toward cervical health.
This partnership reflects a growing collaboration between China and Sierra Leone in public health, with hopes to establish a foundation for future health projects in the region.
