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On March 5, a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s efforts to prevent cervical cancer was achieved with the release of results and the award ceremony for the first national HPV screening project.
The event, held at the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health, was attended by key figures, including Dr. Xia Yinyin, Secretary of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, Mr. Sartie M. Kenneh, Chief Medical Officer of Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health, Mr. Med Mustapha Kabba, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, and representatives from the UNFPA, WHO, and the Hunan Provincial Health Commission.
The project, led by Dr. Chen Zhihui, head of the 25th batch of the Chinese Medical Team to Sierra Leone, marked a significant achievement in the fight against cervical cancer. Dr. Chen presented a comprehensive report on the project’s objectives, implementation, and results. The project received widespread recognition from the Sierra Leone government and international organizations, such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
In recognition of their exceptional contributions, the Ministry of Health of Sierra Leone and UNFPA held a prestigious award ceremony. The Hunan Provincial Health Commission was awarded the “Outstanding Contribution to Public Health Service Award,” while Dr. Chen Zhihui received the “Outstanding Contribution to National Cervical Cancer Prevention Award.” Shengxiang Biotechnology Co., Ltd. was honored with the “National Public Health Contribution Award,” and Leone Rock Metal Group received the “Corporate Social Responsibility Award.”
Dr. Xia Yinyin, Secretary of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, praised the partnership between China and Sierra Leone in advancing public health and emphasized China’s ongoing commitment to supporting African nations in improving health outcomes. She highlighted that this successful HPV screening project is another significant achievement in the growing medical and health collaboration between the two countries, with China remaining dedicated to fighting cervical cancer globally.
Mr. Sartie M. Kenneh, Chief Medical Officer of Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health, acknowledged the critical importance of the project, noting that cervical cancer has long been a major threat to the health of women in Sierra Leone. He expressed gratitude for the advanced technology and professional support provided by the Chinese medical team, which has filled the gap in early cervical cancer screening and bolstered the country’s national “Cervical Cancer Elimination” strategy. Mr. Kenneh emphasized that the government would use this project as a foundation to expand cooperation with China in strengthening the national cervical cancer prevention system.
Dr. Dan Okoro, Chief Gynecologist at UNFPA, underscored the project’s significance, calling it a pivotal moment for Sierra Leone’s public health sector. He commended the Chinese medical team for their technological, resource, and expertise contributions, which have provided a replicable and scalable model for cervical cancer prevention in developing countries. He also emphasized the UNFPA’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s cervical cancer prevention efforts in alignment with the WHO’s “90-70-90” goals.
Chang Shi, Deputy Director of the Hunan Provincial Health Commission, highlighted the importance of women’s health in the ongoing cooperation between Hunan and Sierra Leone. He detailed the Commission’s efforts in advancing the cervical cancer screening project, which included providing advanced screening equipment and sending technical experts to Sierra Leone. Looking ahead, Chang Shi reaffirmed Hunan’s commitment to deepening its cooperation with Sierra Leone, exploring further health initiatives, and contributing to the achievement of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
This release and award ceremony marks the beginning of a new phase in Sierra Leone’s cervical cancer prevention efforts, reinforcing the strong partnership between China and Sierra Leone. The project serves as a symbol of this enduring friendship and stands as a key milestone in China’s ongoing support for Sierra Leone’s public health development. Looking forward, China is committed to continuing its medical and health cooperation with Sierra Leone and working with the global community to make further contributions to public health both in Sierra Leone and worldwide.
